As part of the Housing Legislation Amendment Act 2021 we have now seen 3 of the 4 changes introduced since October 2022. These being:
-
Domestic & Family Violence Protections
- Ending Tenancies Fairly
- Renting With Pets
The final stage of these reforms is the Minimum Housing Standards. This was set to be introduced in two parts. Starting on October 1st 2022 the first steps of this were introduced to strengthen repair and maintenance obligations. As part of this first stage property managers are able to authorise "Emergency" repairs up to the equivalent of 4 weeks rent.
As of September 1st 2023, Minimum Housing Standards will apply to all new leases and then subsequently apply to all existing longer pre-dated leases as of September 1st 2024. In brief these will include:
• Ensuring the premises is weather proof and structurally sound
• Fixtures and fittings to be in good repair and not likely to cause injury
• Locks on all windows and doors
• The premises must be free of vermin, damp and any Mould
• Privacy Coverings to be available
• Adequate Plumbing and Draining
• Functioning Kitchen and laundry services (where provided)
If you have any questions around these Minimum Housing Standards, please reach out to our fantastic team and they will be able to guide you through any questions you might have in regards to this.