4 Things Landlords Should Know

Congratulations! You’ve just purchased an investment property and you are super excited to get Tenants in and to start earning some income.

Here are 4 things you will need to be aware of prior to renting out your new investment property:

• The property you rent out must meet the minimum habitalibility standards which are defined in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010. The minimum standards set clearer expectations for landlords and tenants and will apply to all rented properties. To be fit to live in, the property must (as a minimum):

  1. be structurally sound

  2. have adequate natural or artificial lighting in each room, except storage rooms or garages

  3. have adequate ventilation

  4. be supplied with electricity or gas, and have enough electricity or gas sockets for lighting, heating and other appliances

  5. have adequate plumbing and drainage

  6. have a water connection that can supply hot and cold water for drinking, washing and cleaning

  7. have bathroom facilities, including toilet and washing facilities that allow users' privacy.

  Landlords need to ensure their rented properties meet the minimum standards to be fit for habitation. Rented properties are already required to be fit for habitation and should already meet these basic standards.

• You can’t charge a Tenant for water unless you have checked that the water flow meets compliance. You can either get a plumber to do this or you can perform your own quick ‘bucket’ test and ensure that the taps in the main areas do not fill up a 9L bucket in less than 60 seconds. All taps must be checked for leaks and if any are leaking you cannot charge for water

• As of 23 March 2025, all toilets must be equipped with a dual flush option where the Tenant is being billed for water use

• If the property is part of a Strata block, they are not only impacted by the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, they are also affected by the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and Tenants must abide by the by-laws determined by the Owners Corporation

There are a number of responsibilities that Landlords must meet when renting out a property. It can get very confusing but with a professional and capable Property Manager working with you, you won’t have to worry about any of these as we will ensure they meet the required standards on your behalf.

If you would like to find out more about your responsibilities as a Landlord, please get in touch with our rental division or visit our website here to find out more.