What are minimum standards?
Minimum standards are legally required conditions that a rental property must meet before it can be let and throughout the tenancy. A landlord cannot rent a property that doesn't meet these standards — and if a property falls below them during a tenancy, the landlord must bring it back into compliance. These standards exist in addition to general repair obligations.
Minimum standards have expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in Victoria. If your property was rented years ago under older rules, it may now not meet current standards — and your landlord is obligated to upgrade it.
Victoria — most extensive minimum standards
Victoria has the most detailed minimum standards regime in Australia. Properties must have:
- •Deadbolt or equivalent locks on all external doors; window locks on all accessible windows
- •A working heating system in the main living area
- •Adequate natural light in living areas and bedrooms
- •Adequate ventilation in bathrooms and laundries
- •Ceiling and wall insulation (or equivalent thermal rating) — phased in from 2023
- •Draught sealing of all external doors and windows (from 2023)
- •Working cooktop with at least two burners
- •A kitchen sink with a drain connected to the sewerage system
- •A functional bathroom with hot and cold water, toilet, and washbasin
Queensland minimum standards
Queensland's minimum housing standards took effect in September 2023. Rental properties must be:
- •Structurally sound with weatherproof roof, walls, and windows
- •Have functional plumbing and drainage connected to an approved system
- •Have electricity or gas connected and functional
- •Be free from vermin, damp, and mould (not caused by tenant)
- •Have privacy coverings for all windows in bedrooms and bathrooms
- •Have lockable external doors and windows able to be secured
NSW minimum standards
NSW requires all rental properties to meet basic habitability standards:
- •Structurally sound with no significant cracks, water ingress, or subsidence
- •All plumbing, drainage, gas, and electrical services functional
- •Adequate ventilation
- •No pest or vermin infestation attributable to the landlord
- •Smoke alarms installed and functional
- •External doors and windows that can be locked
What if your property doesn't meet minimum standards?
If your property does not meet minimum standards, you can:
You cannot be evicted for exercising your rights under minimum standards. If a landlord issues a notice to vacate shortly after you raise a minimum standards complaint, this may constitute 'retaliatory eviction' — which is unlawful in all states.
- •Write to your landlord identifying the specific deficiency and requesting compliance
- •Contact your state tenancy authority for advice and assistance
- •In Victoria, apply to Consumer Affairs Victoria to have the property inspected
- •Apply to the tribunal for a compliance order requiring the landlord to meet the standards
- •In some states, apply for a rent reduction while the property is non-compliant
This guide provides general information based on current Australian tenancy legislation. It is not legal advice. Always verify with the relevant state tenancy authority or a qualified professional for your specific situation. Last verified: January 2026.