How Cairns Rentals Can Meet QLD’s New Minimum Standards

The recent rental reforms in Queensland have introduced new minimum housing standards that every property owner needs to be aware of. From 1st September 2023, these standards became mandatory for all new leases, and by 1st September 2024, they’ll apply across the board, even to properties with long-term tenants. As a Cairns local who’s been in the real estate game for decades, I can tell you that these changes aren’t just another item in a checklist—they’re about ensuring your property is safe, liveable, and up to scratch.

What Are the New Minimum Housing Standards?

The new regulations are designed to raise the bar for rental properties across Queensland. They cover everything from weatherproofing to structural integrity, and they’re not something you can afford to overlook. According to the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), your rental property must be "weatherproof and structurally sound," among other requirements. These standards are about making sure tenants have a safe place to live and that properties are maintained properly.

For those of you with long-standing tenants, you’ve got until September 2024 to make sure your property meets these standards. But don’t wait until the last minute—if you act now, you can avoid the stress and potential issues that might come up if you’re found not following the rules later.

Key Minimum Standards Impacting Cairns Properties

Living in Cairns, we’re all too familiar with the challenges that come with our tropical climate. That’s why certain aspects of the new standards are particularly relevant here.

1. Weatherproofing

Cairns is known for its heavy rains and the occasional cyclone during the wet season. Making sure your property is weatherproof is so important—not just for meeting the standards, but for protecting your investment from costly damage. Making sure that your property is sealed tight against the elements, with no leaks or vulnerabilities, is a top priority.

2. Dampness and Mould

Our humid climate makes properties in Cairns especially prone to dampness and mould. The new regulations require properties to be free from significant dampness and mould, except where the tenant’s actions are the cause. This means you need to have proper ventilation and take steps to prevent moisture build-up. If your tenants are contributing to the problem by not ventilating the property properly, that’s on them. But it’s up to you to make sure the property itself isn’t part of the problem.

How Cairns Property Collective Can Help

Meeting these new standards might seem challenging, but that’s why we’re here. At Cairns Property Collective, we offer a hands-on service to help you get your property in line with the new regulations. We can inspect your property, identify any areas that need attention, and coordinate with our reliable tradespeople to make the necessary improvements.

One of the advantages of working with us is that we are on the line with the latest regulations, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with all the changes. We’re here to make sure your property is compliant, safe, and ready for anything Cairns’ weather might throw at it.

The Risks of Not Meeting the Standards

Ignoring these new standards isn’t just risky—it can be costly. If your property doesn’t meet the minimum housing standards, you could face fines, disputes with tenants, or even legal action. Tenants might request rent reductions, or worse, terminate the lease. By getting on top of these issues now, you can avoid these headaches down the line.

The new minimum housing standards are an important part of Queensland’s rental reforms, and they’re something every property owner needs to take seriously. Whether it’s ensuring your property is weatherproof, tackling dampness and mould, or just making sure everything is up to code, we’re here to help.



Contact us to manage your property and let’s make sure it meets all the required standards. That way, you can protect your investment and keep your tenants happy.