Minimum Standards Check
From March 29th 2021, The Residential Tenancies Regulations requires all rental properties to meet the following minimum standards.
RIC Safety Audits has the expertise to provide all the mandatory checks required for the Residential Tenancies Regulations. The list of what out Minimum Standards Check includes is shown below.
MINIMUM STANDARDS CHECK
$165
(optional service for owners)
Price includes GST
Minimum Standards, what we'll check
- All external doors are fitted with a deadlock that can be operated with a key from the outside and that can be locked/unlocked inside without a key
- All security doors are fitted with a locking device that can be operated with a key from the outside and can be locked/unlocked from the inside without a key
- The property has vermin-proof bins as provided or recommended by local council
- The toilet/s is in good working order, connected to the sewerage line and is in an area intended to be used as a toilet area (e.g located in a bathroom)
- The bathroom/s facilities are connected to hot and cold water and contains a washbasin, shower or bath
- The showerhead is at least a 3 star water-saving rating (exemptions may apply)
- A kitchen with a dedicated area which is intended to be used for cooking and food preparation
- A kitchen with a sink that is in good working order and connected to hot and cold water supply
- A kitchen cooktop that is in good working order with 2 or more burners
- The laundry facility is connected to hot and cold water supply
- The property is structurally sound and weatherproof
- Each room in the property is free from mould and damp caused by or relating to the building structure
- The property has a switchboard-type Circuit Breaker that complies with AS/NZS 3000:2018 wiring rules
- The property has a Residual Current Device that complies with AS/NZS 3190:2016 approval and test specification, AS/NZS 61008.1:2015 or AS/NZS 61009.1:2011
- Each window in a room at the property that is likely to be used as a bedroom or as a living area is fitted with a curtain or blind that can be opened or closed to provide privacy and to block light (from 29th March 2022)
- All external windows that are capable of opening must be able to be set in a closed or open position and must have a functioning latch to secure the windows against external entry.(e.g. window lock or bolt, but does not require a key deadlock.)
- Interior rooms, corridors and hallways have access to light (natural or artificial) which provides enough illuminance to make use of the room
- Each habitable room, bathroom, shower room, toilet and laundry must have ventilation satisfying the Performance Requirement P2.4.5 of the BCA Volume Two, or the Acceptable Construction Practice in Part 3.8.5 of the BCA Volume Two
- An energy efficient fixed heater in good working order is installed in the main living area of the property\
- Blind cords must all be fixed with a device that tensions looped cords to a window frame reducing the likelihood of strangulation
Our Focus
You can count on responsive, courteous service from highly skilled tradesmen who are knowledgeable in all aspects of the business. The RIC Safety Audits has been founded on a base level of compliance and safety, with all directors focusing on keeping property owners and renters safe and saving rental providers money with preventative maintenance and recommendations.
Our technicians’ expertise and professionalism are next to none. You will appreciate their efficiency, timeliness and unparalleled customer care. All directors have rental properties and know the effort that goes into looking after your properties, we are trying to make the process as smooth as possible and keep compliance.
Integrity
Safety Focused
Pride
Solutions Driven
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Rental Minimum Standards in Victoria?
Victorian rental properties must meet 15 categories of minimum standards including:
- Functioning kitchen facilities
- Adequate heating
- Window coverings in bedrooms and living areas
- Adequate ventilation
- Vermin-proof rubbish bins
- Electrical safety
- Window locks
- Structural soundness
- Mould and dampness prevention
- Plumbing and drainage
- Laundry facilities
- Toilets
- Bathroom facilities
- Lighting
- Blind cords
When do these Minimum Standards apply?
Minimum Standards apply to:
- All new rental agreements from March 29, 2021
- Agreements that became periodic after March 29, 2021
- All rental properties must now comply as of 2024
Note: Properties under agreements that became periodic before March 29, 2021, had until March 29, 2023, to comply.
What are the heating requirements under Minimum Standards?
Properties must have:
- A fixed heater in good working order in the main living area
- Energy-efficient heating (minimum 2-star rating)
- Adequate heating capacity for the space
- Safe and proper installation
- Regular maintenance and servicing
What are the electrical safety requirements?
Electrical safety requirements include:
- Working power outlets in all rooms
- Functioning light fittings
- Safety switches (RCDs) on all circuits
- Regular electrical safety checks
- No exposed wiring
- All switches and outlets properly secured
- Compliance with current electrical standards
What happens if a property doesn't meet Minimum Standards?
Consequences include:
- Potential breach of rental agreement
- Requirement for urgent repairs
- Possible compliance orders
- If standards aren’t met, there is a risk of penalties up to 60 penalty units for individuals (approx. $11,000 fine)
- A risk of penalties up to 300 penalty units for corporations
- Risk of tenant compensation claims
How often should Minimum Standards compliance be checked?
We recommend:
- Immediate Minimum Standards inspection when a tenancy changes
- Documentation of all inspections
- Proactive compliance monitoring
What documentation is required for Minimum Standards?
Required documentation may include:
- Maintenance records
- Installation certificates
- Energy efficiency ratings
- Photographic evidence
- Detailed inspection reports
Can tenants request Minimum Standards repairs?
Yes, tenants can:
- Request urgent repairs for non-compliant items
- Submit formal repair notices
- Apply to VCAT if issues aren’t addressed
- Seek compensation for non-compliance
- Request inspection reports
- Document ongoing issues
What's the process for achieving compliance?
Our process includes:
- Initial comprehensive property assessment
- Detailed report of non-compliant items
- Cost-effective solutions
What are the most common Minimum Standards issues?
Common issues include:
- Inadequate heating systems
- Missing window coverings
- Poor ventilation
- Electrical safety concerns
- Dampness and mould
- Insufficient lighting
- Unsafe Blind cords
- Non compliant door locks