Minimum Housing Standards Queensland: Gold Coast Landlord Checklist
A practical Gold Coast landlord checklist covering Queensland minimum housing standards, inspections, repairs, mould, security, plumbing and compliance.
Answer first: Every Gold Coast rental property must meet Queensland's minimum housing standards when a tenant moves in and throughout the tenancy. In practical terms, the home must be weatherproof, structurally sound, secure, free from vermin, damp and mould (unless caused by the tenant), and have functional plumbing, sanitation, cooking and laundry fixtures where provided. The owner and property manager are responsible for ensuring compliance.
This guide gives Gold Coast landlords a practical inspection checklist. It is general information, not legal advice; for a specific tenancy, use the current Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) guidance or obtain professional advice.
What are Queensland's minimum housing standards?
The standards are the legal baseline for safe, secure and functional rental premises. They apply to general tenancies, rooming accommodation and moveable dwellings. They applied to new and renewed tenancies from 1 September 2023 and to all remaining Queensland tenancies from 1 September 2024.
The current legal detail appears in section 18 and schedule 6 of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2025. The regulation commenced on 1 September 2025; the Queensland legislation site identifies the current in-force reprint from 1 January 2026.
Gold Coast landlord compliance checklist
1. Weatherproof and structurally sound
- Roofing and windows prevent rainwater entering the property.
- Floors, walls, ceilings and the roof are not at risk of collapse because of rot, defects or significant dampness.
- Decks and stairs are safe and structurally sound.
- The condition of the property is not likely to damage an occupant's belongings.
On the Gold Coast, heavy rain and humid conditions make roof leaks, failed sealants, drainage and persistent damp particularly important inspection points. Local conditions do not change the legal test, but they should influence the maintenance schedule.
2. Fixtures and fittings in good repair
- Included fixtures, fittings and electrical appliances work properly.
- Ordinary use is not likely to injure a person.
- Taps and showerheads do not leak and can turn water on and off.
Keep a dated record of testing at the start of each tenancy and during routine inspections. Photographs, contractor invoices and written maintenance notes provide a clearer audit trail than memory alone.
3. Locks and security
External doors and windows that can be accessed from outside without a ladder must have functioning locks or latches. Assess each opening individually; a damaged latch or lock that no longer secures the premises needs attention.
4. Vermin, damp and mould
The property must be free from vermin, damp and mould, except where the problem was caused by the tenant. Responsibility depends on cause. A leaking roof, failed waterproofing or other structural problem is ordinarily for the owner to repair; a problem caused by a tenant's actions may be the tenant's responsibility. Document the source before allocating responsibility.
The City of Gold Coast rental accommodation guidance also identifies mould, water leaks, vermin and defective fixtures as public-health matters it may investigate. Owners must comply with all relevant state and local requirements.
5. Privacy coverings
Rooms where a tenant can reasonably expect privacy, such as bedrooms, require suitable window coverings. Curtains, blinds, tinting or glass frosting may qualify. A covering may not be required where an external feature such as a fence, hedge or tree already blocks the line of sight; assess the actual property rather than applying a blanket rule.
6. Plumbing, drainage and drinking water
- Plumbing and drainage are adequate for the number of occupants.
- Hot and cold water are connected and the water is suitable for drinking.
- Bathroom areas provide privacy.
- Toilets flush, refill and connect to an appropriate waste-disposal system.
7. Kitchen and laundry functionality
If the property includes a kitchen, it must have a functioning cooktop. If laundry facilities are provided, the necessary tap fixtures and plumbing must work. The minimum standard does not require an owner to supply a washing machine or other white goods.
When should a Gold Coast landlord check compliance?
- Before advertising or tenant selection: identify repairs early so the property is ready before occupation.
- Before the tenant moves in: complete a documented compliance inspection alongside the entry condition process.
- During routine inspections: check for water entry, damp, mould, unsafe fixtures, failed locks and plumbing defects.
- After severe weather: inspect reported roof, window, drainage or water-entry issues promptly.
- When a tenant reports a defect: triage the issue immediately and use an appropriately qualified contractor where required.
A good property-management system turns each requirement into a repeatable checklist, assigns repair responsibility, records access and keeps evidence of completion. BWPG's Gold Coast property management service can help owners organise inspections, maintenance communication and tenancy documentation.
What happens if a rental does not comply?
The RTA states that repairs required to bring a property up to minimum housing standards are classified as emergency repairs. Under the RTA emergency-repair process, a tenant should try to contact the nominated emergency contact. If that contact cannot be reached within a reasonable time, a tenant or property manager may arrange eligible repairs by a suitably qualified person up to the maximum value specified by the RTA—currently four weeks' rent.
Tenants may also have remedies through RTA processes or the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Because the right response depends on the facts, landlords should act quickly, preserve written records and use current official forms and guidance.
A practical pre-tenancy workflow
- Inspect every room, accessible external opening, wet area, deck, stair and supplied appliance.
- Photograph defects and record the date.
- Separate urgent safety or compliance work from cosmetic work.
- Engage licensed or suitably qualified trades where the work requires it.
- Reinspect completed work and retain invoices and photographs.
- Provide current emergency-repair contact details in the tenancy agreement.
- Carry the checklist into routine inspections so compliance is monitored throughout the tenancy.
For a review of your Gold Coast rental-management process, contact Black & White Property Group.
Frequently asked questions
Do minimum housing standards apply to every Queensland rental?
They apply to Queensland residential rental properties covered by the tenancy framework, including general tenancies, rooming accommodation and moveable dwellings. The RTA says all residential rental properties must comply when a tenant moves in and throughout the tenancy.
Are repairs needed for minimum standards emergency repairs?
Yes. The RTA states that repairs required to make a rental property comply with minimum housing standards are classified as emergency repairs. Follow the current emergency-repair contact and authorisation process.
Does every bedroom need blinds or curtains?
A privacy covering is required where a tenant could reasonably expect privacy, such as a bedroom. The RTA notes that a covering may not be required if an outside feature already blocks the line of sight. Each window should be assessed on its facts.
Who is responsible for mould in a rental property?
Responsibility depends on the cause. The owner or manager is responsible for repairs where structural problems or reasonable use caused the issue. A tenant may be responsible where their actions caused it. Investigate and document the source before deciding.
Does a landlord have to provide a washing machine?
No. If laundry facilities are provided, the required taps and plumbing must be functional, but the minimum housing standards do not require the owner to supply a washing machine or other white goods.