Most landlords in Australia do the right thing—they wouldn’t dream of renting out a property that’s unsafe or clearly substandard. While not every investor would personally live in their investment property, the majority understand that their responsibility is to provide a safe, functional, and compliant home for tenants.

That said, if your property is older (20–30+ years) and hasn’t had recent renovations or safety checks, it may no longer meet today’s minimum standards. In this case, you have several options to ensure an investment property complies with the minimum standards:

• Start with your property manager. While a property manager isn’t qualified to conduct formal compliance checks, they will be able to identify visible issues—such as broken fittings, damp or mould, or inadequate locks—and flag them with a landlord for action.
• Engage a licensed building inspector. Engaging building specialists is recommended for older homes, such as timber cottages or Queenslanders, where structural issues, termite damage, or outdated wiring may not be evident to the naked eye. Better still, a professional inspection is typically tax-deductible for landlords.
• Consider the property type. If your investment is part of a strata complex, many safety responsibilities (such as balcony railings or stairwell lighting) fall under strata management. But if you own a freestanding home, you’re responsible for the entire property, including its condition, safety, and compliance.

Minimum rental standards across Australia

Minimum standards vary slightly between states and territories. However, all jurisdictions have adopted similar baseline standards to ensure rental properties are safe and functional for tenants. Generally, to meet current regulations, regardless of the property’s location, it should:

• Be structurally sound, weatherproof, and safe to live in
• Provide adequate lighting, both natural and artificial, in living areas
• Ensure sufficient ventilation in all rooms, including bathrooms and laundries
• Be supplied with electricity, gas (if applicable), and plumbing in working order
• Offer hot and cold water suitable for drinking, washing, and cleaning
• Have a private bathroom with a working toilet, sink, and shower or bath
• Include a kitchen with a working sink and stovetop (VIC requires 2+ burners)
• Be free from mould, damp, and vermin, unless caused by the tenant
• Have secure locks or latches on external doors and windows
• Provide window coverings (curtains or blinds) for privacy in living/sleeping areas

• Contain adequate safety features, including smoke alarms (all states).

Also, if a laundry is provided it must have adequate plumbing and drainage to allow for the installation and use of a washing machine.

If you’re unsure whether your investment property meets the minimum standards, contact your local Raine & Horne Property Manager for an obligation-free assessment and expert advice.