Queensland’s recent rental reform will come into effect on 1 October 2022, with minimum housing standards to apply to new tenancies from 1 September 2023 and to ALL tenancies from 1 September 2024. Compliance with these changes is a requirement for landlords, so property managers need to be familiar with the updated regulations.
The changes to Queensland’s rental laws are intended to improve relationships between tenants and landlords by introducing a framework for communicating on issues relevant to both parties. The updated legislation can be read in full at the Queensland government’s website, but the main areas, in brief, are:
- Ending tenancies – Changes to the grounds for ending tenancies, and removal of the right to end a tenancy without grounds.
- Pet approvals – Properties cannot be advertised as “no pets allowed” and pet requests can only be refused on prescribed grounds.
- Repairs – The maximum spend limit for emergency repairs has increased, there are new requirements around nominated repairers and repair orders and there are expanded retaliation provisions related to repair matters.
- Locks – new procedure for changing locks.
- Provisions for circumstance – Domestic and Family Violence provisions, and for death of sole or co-tenants.
- Entry condition reports –The time allowed for tenant to accept or dispute this report has been increased to 7 days.
It is essential that property managers are on top of the current requirements in order to protect landlords and ensure that lessors and their tenants are given a fair deal as laid out by the Queensland government.
Minimum housing standards
Queensland is introducing minimum housing standards to make renting a home in the state safer and fairer. These standards will apply from 1 September 2023 for new tenancies, and to all tenancies from 1 September, so now is the time for property managers to get familiar with the requirements and ensure their properties meet them ahead of the deadline.
The standards specify:
- The property must be weatherproof and structurally sound.
- Fixtures and fittings must be safe and in good repair.
- Windows and doors must be fitted with locks.
- The property must be free of vermin, damp and mould.
- Privacy coverings must be fitted in the property.
- There must be adequate plumbing and drainage.
- Where supplied, kitchen and laundry facilities must be functioning.
It is worth noting in particular the requirement that properties be structurally sound, which is more prescribed compared to other states. This places added pressure on Property Managers and Landlords to make a sound, educated judgement on this without the qualifications to determine what is actually considered ‘structurally sound’.
What do I need to do?
Once you are familiar with the new regulations, ensure your internal processes regarding checks and timing have been updated accordingly. You will need to talk your landlords through the requirements and recommend they take any necessary action now. You should be ready to answer any queries they may have about the changes and their responsibilities as property owners, as well as being proactive in advising about potential issues in both legislation and housing standards before they arise.
Simplify and ensure compliance to the legislation
Here at PropertySafe , we are ready to assist you navigate through the new reform with a Safer Home Evaluation report. The report will be in line with the new legislation and based on specific REIQ reform training that we have undertaken. This report will provide a simple process for property managers and landlords to ensure that their properties comply to the legislation.