New minimum standards for Rental Properties

I would like to thank the team at MacDonald Law for providing me with this summary that I am passing on for your information.

As of September 2023 there were new minimum standards legislated for rental properties.

These are as follows:

• Be weatherproof & structurally sound;
• Be in good repair, with fixtures and fittings that are not likely to cause injury through normal use;
• Have functioning locks or latches on all external doors and windows that can be reached without a ladder;
• Be free from vermin, damp and mould (this does not include cases where the vermin, damp and mould has be caused by the tenant);
• Include curtains or other window coverings which provide privacy;
• Have adequate plumbing and drainage and be connected to hot and cold water that is suitable for drinking;
• Provide privacy in bathroom areas and have flushable toilets connected to a sewer, septic tank or other waste disposal system;
• Have a functioning cook-top, if a kitchen is provided;
• Include the necessary fixtures for a functioning laundry, such as tap fixtures and adequate plumbing, if laundry facilities are provided.

So if you have a rental property and you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, you should contact your managing agent and have your property inspected and get whatever work is necessary to make your rental property compliant.