 For everyone involved in the Queensland residential rental sector, it's important to know that new minimum housing standards are coming into effect soon. Minimum housing standards will apply to new tenancies from 1 September 2023 onwards and to all tenancies from 1 September 2024. Minimum housing standards apply to all types of tenancies, including general tenancies, movable dwellings and rooming accommodation agreements. Meeting the minimum housing standards is simple. The property must be weatherproof and structurally sound. It must be in good repair with working fixtures and fittings that won't cause harm, including any electrical appliances which are included with the rental property. Every property must also have functioning locks or latches on all external doors and any windows that can be reached from outside without a ladder. Properties must be free from vermin, damp and mould and have coverings such as curtains or blinds on windows in all rooms where a tenant could reasonably expect privacy, such as bedrooms. The property must also have adequate plumbing and drainage and must be connected to a water supply service. Bathroom areas must provide privacy and all toilets must be flushable, refillable and connected to a waste disposal system. If the property includes a kitchen, a functioning cooktop must be provided and if there's a laundry, tap fittings and adequate plumbing must be included. For more information including the different options which will be available to you if you believe a rental property does not meet minimum housing standards visit our website at rta.qld.gov.au