Minimum housing standards specify that rental properties must:

• be weatherproof and structurally sound
• be in good repair, with fixtures and fittings (such as electrical appliances) that are not likely to cause injury through normal use
• have functioning locks or latches on all external doors and windows that can be reached without a ladder
• be free from vermin, damp and mould (this does not include cases where the vermin, damp or mould has been caused by the tenant)
• include curtains or other window coverings, which provide privacy in rooms where the tenant might reasonably expect it, such as bedrooms
• have adequate plumbing and drainage and be connected to hot and cold water that is suitable for drinking
• provide privacy in bathroom areas and have flushable toilets connected to a sewer, septic tank or other waste disposal system
• have a functioning cook-top, if a kitchen is provided
• include the necessary fixtures for a functional laundry, such as tap fixtures and adequate plumbing, if laundry facilities are provided. The laundry does not have to include a washing machine or other white goods, as these may be provided by the tenant.

Weatherproof means the roofing or windows must prevent water from entering the premises when it rains. Structurally sound means the building must be safe for the tenant to live in. The walls, ceiling and roof must be in good condition. They must not be likely to collapse or be affected by significant dampness. Decks and stairs must also be safe and not affected by rot or defects.

To meet minimum housing standards, all external windows and doors at a property will need to have functioning locks or latches to secure the premises against unauthorised entry. This applies only to windows and doors a person outside the premises or room (for rooming accommodation) could access without a ladder.

Each property should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The main focus should be on ensuring the rental property is secure and that reasonable measures have been taken to meet safety and security requirements under the legislation.

Privacy coverings must be provided in rooms where the tenant might reasonably expect it, such as in bedrooms. Privacy coverings can include blinds, curtains, tinted windows, and glass frosting. Privacy coverings are not required for windows which are blocked from outside view by a fence, hedge, tree or other feature of the property.

If mould, damp or vermin appears in a rental property during the tenancy, the tenant should notify the property manager/owner as soon as they are aware of the issue.

If the issue is caused by problems with the structure of the property, the property manager/owner is responsible for fixing it and making any necessary repairs. Examples could include mould caused by a leaking roof or a termite infestation in the walls. The property manager/owner is also responsible for fixing any issues that are caused by reasonable use of the property. Examples would include a leaking shower which cannot be turned off or a stove top that does not work.

If the issue is caused by the actions of the tenant, the tenant is responsible for any necessary repairs. Examples could include mould caused by the tenant allowing steam to build up in a bathroom and not properly ventilating or cleaning the area, or a vermin problem which may have been caused because the actions of the tenant attracted the animals to the property.

Tenants have a range of options if they believe the rental property they live in does not meet minimum housing standards. The available options are different for rooming accommodation and general tenancies.

To learn about the options for a general tenancy agreement, read the Minimum housing standards – General tenancies factsheet.

To learn about the options for a rooming accommodation agreement, read the Minimum housing standards – Rooming accommodation factsheet.

Minimum housing standards apply to the movable dwelling and its site. They do not apply to shared site facilities, such as communal kitchens, laundries, or bathrooms. However, under the Residential and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 shared facilities must be in good repair and meet health and safety standards.