From 1 September 2023, any new residential lease in Queensland or lease renewal is subject to the new minimum housing standards requirements. All remaining leases will be subject to the requirements from 1 September 2024.
Some of the requirements such as adequate plumbing and drainage, connected water supply and a functioning toilet seem obvious to most landlords.
However, these requirements, together with items such as functioning latches or locks on external doors and windows, effectively place an onus on the agent and owner to confirm compliance prior to any new lease or lease renewal.
There are already examples of agents advising owners they will not lease properties that, in their view, do not comply with the minimum housing standards.
Tenants have a variety of remedies where a residential rental property does not meet the minimum housing standards.
These include ending the tenancy within seven days of occupying the property, requesting emergency repairs, or applying to QCAT for a repair or termination order.
Minimum housing standards fact sheet – general tenancies
September 2023
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