Is Your Investment Property Meeting the Minimum Standards?

What’s changing from late November

Advertising and leasing
You will no longer be able to advertise or offer a property for rent — on- or off-market — unless it meets the Minimum Standards. Listing too early risks penalties and delays. Our team will complete a compliance check before your campaign goes live to ensure everything from locks and required facilities in kitchen and laundries to heating and window coverings is in order.

Applications and rent settings
New prescribed rental application forms limit what information can be requested from renters. It will be an offence to accept rent in advance beyond the permitted limit (four weeks monthly or two weeks weekly) or to accept rent-bidding offers above the advertised price, even if unsolicited. Clear, compliant pricing from day one avoids false starts and ensures a fair, transparent process.

Notices and documentation
The “end of fixed term” notice has been repealed. Notice periods for rent increases and Notice to Vacate have increased to 90 days, from 60 days and specific documentary evidence requirements remain in place. Accurate paperwork and timelines are important; we diarise every milestone so you don’t get caught out by changing requirements.

Privacy obligations
Rental providers and agents must protect renter information, destroy or de-identify it within specified timeframes, and only disclose it with written approval or in accordance with legal requirements. We maintain secure systems and adhere to strict protocols to keep your data — and that of your renters — safe.

Smoke alarms
Smoke alarm rules apply to all tenancies. Servicing, alarm location, decibel output along with batteries are part of and not limited to the necessary checks and record-keeping must be up to date. If you are unsure when your last check was performed, we will arrange servicing and record proof against your property file,

What’s new from 1 December

Minimum Standard #15: Blind-cord anchors
All corded window coverings must be secured to prevent child safety risks. This is now a Minimum Standard, so properties must be compliant before advertising or renewing a lease. We can coordinate an installer and provide completion information for your records.

Looking ahead: energy efficiency

From March 2027, energy-efficiency rules will begin applying when certain appliances are replaced or at key agreement changes, covering efficient heating/cooling in the main living area, insulation (where none exists) and water efficiency. Planning upgrades now can reduce future costs and improve renter appeal.

How to get compliant—fast

• Book a compliance audit. We will inspect against the Minimum Standards and flag any gaps.
• Close safety items first. Smoke alarms and blind-cord anchors are non-negotiables.
• Update your records. Keep invoices, service reports and installation photos on file.
• Launch with confidence. Once compliant, we will price, market and lease with clean documentation and clear renter messaging.

Ready to make sure your property meets the Minimum Standards? Contact our Property Management team for a proactive compliance audit and a tailored plan to prepare for advertising, renewal or your next rent review. We will manage the details, so your investment performs — without any surprises.