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Minimum Standards for Residential Rental Properties

Minimum Standards for Residential Rental Properties

Minimum Standards for Residential Rental Properties

By Property Management Team

As per the Residential Tenancies Act, part of the 2021 amendments, rental properties must be kept in good repair and reasonably fit for occupation. Rental providers must ensure that the property is in a suitable condition for occupation regardless of the amount of rent paid, or the property’s age/character.

Rental provider's minimum standards

Rental providers must ensure that the premises meet the required rental minimum standards (see page 179 of the regulations). Should the premises not meet these standards, a renter now has the right to terminate the agreement before they move in, or alternatively can request an urgent repair to the property, after moving in.

Summary of 14 Categories of the minimum standards:

  1. Bathroom: A rental property’s bathroom must contain a washbasin, a shower, or bath and must be connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold water with certain water star ratings to apply depending on the plumbing at the property.

  2. Electrical Safety: All power outlets and lighting circuits are to be connected to a required switchboard depending on the property requirements (page 182).

  3. Heating: A heater is required in at least the main living area of the rented property. There are certain classifications depending on what Class of building the property is. (page 184).

  4. Kitchen facilities: Rented properties must have a dedicated area for cooking and food preparation. The area must have a sink that is in good working order and is connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold water, and a cooktop that is in good working order with two or more burners. If there is an oven at the property, it must be in good working order.

  5. Laundry: If laundry facilities are present, they must be connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold water.

  6. Lighting: Corridors, hallways, and interior rooms must have access to light (whether natural or artificial) that provides a level of illuminance appropriate to the use of the room. Each room needs to have access to natural light (including borrowed light from an adjoining room) during daylight hours, and artificial light during non-daylight hours.

  7. Locks: All external entry doors to the property that are not able to be secured with a functioning deadlock, other than any screen door attached to an external door must be fitted with a locking device that is operated by a key from the outside and may be unlocked from the inside or without a key.

  8. Mould and dampness: Each room in the property must be free from mould and damp caused by or related to the building structure.

  9. Structural soundness: The property must be structurally sound and weatherproof.

  10. Toilets: all rented premises must contain a toilet that is in good working order.

  11. Ventilation: Each room of the bathroom, shower room, toilet, and laundry must meet certain ventilation requirements (page 184).

  12. Vermin-proof bins: A rubbish bin and recycling bin are to be supplied to the renter, provided by the council or otherwise.

  13. Window Coverings: each window in a room that is likely to be used as a bedroom or as a living area must be fitted with a curtain/blind that can be opened and closed, can block light, and can provide privacy.

  14. Windows: all external windows that are capable of opening, must be able to be set in an open or closed position and have a functioning latch protecting against external entry.

To access the complete Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, click here>>>>.

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The first impressions always make difference. With property inspections being the first opportunity for buyers to walk through your home and feel the positive vibes to think of buying. During open home inspections, you and your appointed agent enhance this opportunity to increase your chance of a quick and profitable sale... by presenting in the best stage.  

Follow these tips to show your home off at its best:

  • Tidy the exterior - Create a great first visual impression for potential buyers by making sure the house and yard are clean and tidy.
  • Complete small repairs - Chipped tiles, flaking paint, dripping taps, carpet stains should all be fixed before an open home.
  • Clear the mess - Remove any indication of repair or construction work or any sign of pets being inside the house.
  • Clean and declutter - Wash the windows, tidy all cupboards, weed the gardens, mow the lawn, and empty the bins. Remove clutter from all rooms and arrange furniture to make rooms appear spacious.
  • Make it smell fresh - Light perfumed candles or use scented plug-ins to make your home smell pleasant.
  • Bring in light - Make sure there is lots of natural light throughout the house. Pull curtains, raise blinds, and let the sunshine in.
  • Get the temperature right - If it’s cold outside, create a welcoming ambiance with indoor heating or open fires. If it’s hot, open doors and windows to create airflow.
  • Add life - Show that your home is loved and cared for by adding vases of fresh flowers and bowls of fruit.
  • Secure your valuables - Remove valuable items or put them in a safe location that is out of obvious sight and keep cash, identification, and credit cards on your person.
  • Allow full access - Make sure the agent has keys to all additional locked areas that may need to be inspected, such as garden sheds, garage, and granny flat.

Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and then think… the way which are most important when attending open home inspections when you plan to buy. Present the property at its absolute best during an inspection. With a bit of thought and effort, you can improve the chances that potential buyers will want to make a follow-up visit, like to count in the agent’s buyer pool to create competition and perhaps sign that all-important contract of sale. 

Simply, if YOU WIN, WE WIN.

All the best?

Team at Goldfish

How to Choose the Right Investment Property in Australia?

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Investing in real estate can be one of the most rewarding financial decisions you’ll ever make. But let’s be honest—it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking at investment properties in Melbourne, rural properties in Victoria, or commercial spaces in Melbourne CBD, choosing the right property requires thorough research and strategic decision-making.

If you’re wondering where to start, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when investing in Australian real estate, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your financial goals.

1. Define Your Investment Goals

Before diving into the property market, ask yourself: Why am I investing?

  • Do you want steady rental income from rental properties in Dandenong?

  • Are you looking for long-term appreciation, such as luxury homes for sale in Melbourne?

  • Is your goal to develop and resell, targeting Melbourne property developers?

Having a clear objective will help narrow down your search and identify the best real estate agents in Melbourne to assist you.

2. Choose the Right Location

Location is everything in real estate. Here are some top spots to consider:

  • Melbourne Inner-City Apartments: High demand, strong rental returns, and excellent capital growth.

  • Rural Properties in Victoria: More affordable with long-term appreciation potential.

  • Commercial Property for Lease in Melbourne: Ideal for business owners and investors seeking rental income.

  • Properties for Sale in South Melbourne: A vibrant area with increasing property value.

  • Land for Sale in Mornington Peninsula: A great option for those wanting to build from scratch.

Looking for investment opportunities outside Melbourne? Consider property investment opportunities in Bendigo, where market growth is steady and affordable.

3. Understand Market Trends

Real estate is dynamic, and market trends change frequently. Here’s what you need to consider:

  • Supply & Demand: Are people looking for rental properties in Dandenong, or are commercial spaces in Melbourne CBD seeing more demand?

  • Interest Rates: Lower rates make property investment more attractive.

  • Government Incentives: First-time home buyer programs in Melbourne can help ease the financial burden.

  • Infrastructure Developments: Areas with upcoming developments, like Ballarat, often see increased property value.

Statistic: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported a 14.6% increase in new dwelling approvals in Victoria over the past year, indicating strong market growth.

Speaking of Ballarat, if you're looking for real estate services in Ballarat, working with experienced agents can help you find lucrative investment opportunities.

4. Property Type Matters

There’s no one-size-fits-all investment. Consider these options:

Residential Properties

  • Luxury Homes for Sale in Melbourne: Best for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term capital appreciation.

  • Affordable Rural Properties Near Melbourne: Ideal for investors looking for lower entry costs.

  • First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Melbourne: Beneficial if you plan to live in the property first before renting it out.

Commercial Real Estate

  • Commercial Property Sales: Perfect for businesses or investors wanting long-term rental income.

  • Commercial Real Estate Investors: If you have the capital, this can offer strong returns.

  • Estate Management Services Melbourne: Need help managing multiple properties? Professional estate managers can handle the workload.

Land & Farms

  • Farm Land for Sale in Victoria: Excellent for agricultural investment or future development.

  • Acreage for Sale: Ideal for those looking for larger plots of land with long-term appreciation potential.

  • Farm Property Management in Victoria: Professional management ensures your land is used effectively.

Rural properties in Victoria have seen a 10% increase in median prices in the last 12 months, according to Domain.

5. Work with Professionals

Finding the best real estate agents in Ballarat or Melbourne can make a huge difference in your investment success. A good agent will:

  • Provide insights on market trends.

  • Help negotiate the best deal.

  • Offer guidance on legal paperwork.

If you're new to investing, a Melbourne Property Investment Advisor can help you understand the risks and rewards, ensuring your money is placed in the right property.

6. Consider Rental Yield and Capital Growth

Before making a purchase, research the rental yield (percentage of rental income compared to the property's value) and capital growth potential (the expected increase in property value over time). Areas like Geelong and Dandenong offer strong rental demand, making them excellent choices for long-term investors.

The average rental yield in Melbourne is currently 3.5%, while regional areas like Geelong offer yields up to 5.2%, according to SQM Research.

7. Know the Selling Process

If you’re investing to resell, it’s crucial to understand the process of selling a house in Melbourne. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  1. Get a property valuation.

  2. Prepare your property for sale (renovations, staging, etc.).

  3. Work with real estate consultancy Melbourne services.

  4. Market the property effectively.

  5. Close the deal with the help of a real estate lawyer.

Having a strong marketing strategy is key, and services like project marketing for real estate developers can help boost visibility.

8. Diversify Your Portfolio

If you’ve already invested in luxury property investors Melbourne, consider diversifying into other sectors like commercial spaces, farmland, or regional properties in Victoria and Bendigo.

Conclusion: Make the Right Investment with Goldfish Real Estate

Choosing the right investment property in Australia requires careful planning, market research, and expert guidance. Whether you’re exploring rural property sales Victoria, commercial real estate investors, or first-time home buyer programs Melbourne, understanding the market dynamics will help you make informed decisions.

Looking for expert guidance? Goldfish Real Estate specializes in helping investors find high-return properties across Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, and beyond.

Contact Goldfish Real Estate today and start your journey toward a profitable property investment!

Invest wisely, plan strategically, and make the most of the booming Australian real estate market!


Disclaimer: Research is based on Goldfish Real Estate's general information and do not constitute any representation. Similarity with any other online resources available is not our responsibility and do held any liability.