Minimum housing standards came into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023 and for all remaining tenancies from 1 September 2024. The property must meet minimum housing standards when the tenant moves in and throughout the tenancy agreement. These standards apply to all types of tenancies, including general tenancies, moveable dwellings, and rooming accommodation agreements.

This fact sheet will help providers, agents and residents understand and prepare for the upcoming changes around minimum housing standards for rooming accommodation in Queensland.

Overview of minimum housing standards

Minimum housing standards aim to ensure all Queensland rental properties are safe, secure and reasonably functional. The new standards complement existing legislation which states that a property must be fit to live in, in good repair and compliant with health and safety laws. To meet minimum housing standards, the rental property will need to meet the criteria outlined below.

Safety and security  

The property must:

• be weatherproof and structurally sound:
  • the roofing or windows must prevent water entering the premises when it rains
  • the floor, walls, ceiling, roof and any decks or stairs must not be likely to collapse because of a rot, defect, or significant dampness
• be in good repair, with fixtures and fittings (such as electrical appliances) 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 from outside the premises without a ladder
• be free from vermin, damp, and mould (this does not include cases where vermin, damp or mould has been caused by the resident)
• have privacy coverings for windows in all rooms where the resident could reasonably expect privacy, such as bedrooms. Privacy coverings:
  • for windows include blinds curtains, tinting and glass frosting
  • do not apply if the line of sight of someone outside the property and someone inside the property is blocked, for example if the window is obstructed by a fence, a hedge, tree, or other feature of the property.

Reasonable functionality

The property must:

• have adequate plumbing and drainage for the number of people occupying the premises
• be connected to a water supply service or other infrastructure that supplies hot and cold water suitable for drinking
• provide privacy in bathroom areas
• have toilets that are all flushable and refillable, and connected to a sewer, septic tank or other waste disposal system
• have a functioning cooktop, if a kitchen is provided
• include the necessary fixtures for a functional laundry, such as tap fixtures and adequate plumbing, if laundry facilities are provided. The laundry does not have to include a washing machine or other white goods as these may be provided by the resident.

Options when a property does not meet minimum housing standards  

There are different options available to the resident depending on if the property fails to meet minimum housing standards when they first move into the property or during the tenancy.

The provider/agent needs to ensure the premises and inclusions comply with prescribed minimum standards at the start of the tenancy and throughout the agreement. The provider/agent is responsible for paying for repairs unless the issue has been caused by the actions of the resident.

The resident is responsible for contacting the provider/agent as soon as they become aware of any repairs which need to be made to the rental property.