Property Compliance Checks before you lease
Full property, granny flat, or room - here is what every landlord needs to know before listing their rental.
Renting out a property for the first time is exciting, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. Whether you are renting a whole home, a granny flat, or a room, each jurisdiction has specific rules you must follow before a tenant moves in.
This guide breaks down the essential compliance property steps for every state and New Zealand.
What Every Landlord Must Do (All Jurisdictions)
Before we break it down by state, here are the universal requirements:
- Ensure the property meets minimum housing standards
- Install and test smoke alarms
- Install water efficiency devices if you plan to charge for water usage (see Mint's guide here)
- Ensure the property is clean and safe
- Ensure locks and security devices work
- Ensure the dwelling is legally permitted (especially for granny flats, secondary dwellings, converted garages, and rooms in shared homes)
- Provide required documentation (water efficiency certificates, pool safety certificates, Healthy Homes compliance in NZ, and electrical safety documentation as required)
- Complete an Entry Condition Report (see Mint's guide here)
Jurisdiction-by-Jurisdiction Requirements
Queensland (QLD)
Official guidance: Minimum housing standards | Smoke alarms | Water charging
Minimum Housing Standards
- Weatherproof and structurally sound
- Mould-free
- Adequate ventilation
- Working locks
- Safe electrical and plumbing systems
- Privacy coverings on windows where tenants can reasonably expect privacy
Smoke Alarm Requirements
- Photoelectric only
- Interconnected alarms throughout the property
- Hardwired or 10-year lithium battery
- Installed in every bedroom
- Installed in hallways connecting bedrooms
- Installed on every storey of the dwelling
- Applies to all rentals, including granny flats and rooms
Water Charging and Efficiency
- Property must be water efficient
- Property must be individually metered
- Provide evidence of efficiency
Granny Flats
Since 2022, granny flats can be rented to anyone. They must still comply with building approvals, fire safety, and minimum housing standards.
New South Wales (NSW)
Official guidance: Minimum standards | Smoke alarms | Water charging
Minimum Standards
- Adequate ventilation
- Working locks
- Safe electrical systems
- Bathroom and kitchen in good repair
- Mould-free environment
Smoke Alarm Requirements
- At least one smoke alarm per storey
- Photoelectric alarms required
- Must be tested annually
- Landlord responsible for maintenance
- Interconnection not required (but recommended)
- Additional alarms required near bedrooms in multi-storey homes
Water Charging and Efficiency
- Property must be separately metered
- Property must meet water efficiency standards
- Provide a copy of the water bill
- Charge usage only
Granny Flats
Must be council-approved as a secondary dwelling and compliant with fire separation rules.
Victoria (VIC)
Official guidance: Minimum standards | Smoke alarms | Water charging
Minimum Standards
- Heating in main living area
- Deadlocks
- Window coverings in every bedroom and living area that provide privacy and reasonably block light
- Mould-free
- Safe electrical and gas systems
Smoke Alarm Requirements
- Photoelectric alarms required
- Must be tested annually
- Interconnection not required
- Installed in hallways near bedrooms
- Installed on each storey
Water Charging and Efficiency
- Separately metered
- Property meets water efficiency standards
- Charge usage only
Granny Flats
Must be a Dependent Person's Unit (DPU) or a small second dwelling under new rules, and compliant with building regulations.
South Australia (SA)
Official guidance: Minimum standards | Smoke alarms | Water charging
Minimum Standards
- Clean
- Safe
- Structurally sound
- Free from hazards
Smoke Alarm Requirements
- Hardwired alarms required for homes built after 1995
- Photoelectric alarms required
- Interconnection required in new builds, recommended in others
- Installed in hallways near bedrooms
- Installed on each storey
Water Charging and Efficiency
- Can charge usage plus supply charge
- Cannot charge sewerage
- Water efficiency requirements apply if charging for water usage
Western Australia (WA)
Official guidance: Minimum standards | Smoke alarms | Water charging
Minimum Standards
- Clean
- Safe
- Fit for habitation
Smoke Alarm Requirements
- Hardwired alarms required
- Photoelectric alarms required
- Installed in hallways near bedrooms
- Installed on each storey
- Interconnection required in new builds
Water Charging and Efficiency
- Allowed only for usage, not fixed charges
- Property must be water efficient
Tasmania (TAS)
Official guidance: Minimum standards | Smoke alarms | Water charging
Minimum Standards
- Weatherproof
- Clean
- Safe
- Free from mould
- Adequately heated in living areas (fixed heater required)
Smoke Alarm Requirements
- Photoelectric alarms required
- Hardwired or 10-year lithium battery
- Installed in hallways near bedrooms
- Installed on each storey
- Interconnection not required
Water Charging and Efficiency
- Allowed only if the property is separately metered
- Water efficiency encouraged but not legislated as a minimum standard
Northern Territory (NT)
Official guidance: Minimum standards | Smoke alarms | Water charging
Minimum Standards
- Safe
- Clean
- Structurally sound
Smoke Alarm Requirements
- Photoelectric alarms required
- Hardwired or 10-year lithium battery
- Installed in hallways near bedrooms
- Installed on each storey
- Interconnection not required
Water Charging and Efficiency
- Allowed only if the property is separately metered
- Property must meet water efficiency requirements if charging usage
New Zealand (NZ)
Official guidance: Healthy Homes | Smoke alarms | Water charging
Healthy Homes Standards
The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements for rental properties to ensure they are warm, dry, and healthy by mandating adequate heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control, drainage, and draught stopping.
Adequate Heating Requirements
Rental properties must have one or more fixed heaters capable of heating the main living room to at least 18C on the coldest days. The heater must be energy efficient, affordable to run, and have a minimum output of 1.5kW. Fixed electric heaters (excluding heat pumps) must not exceed 2.4kW and must have a thermostat. Open fires and portable heaters do not meet the standard.
Smoke Alarm Requirements
- Photoelectric alarms required
- Installed in hallways near bedrooms
- Installed on each storey
- Hardwired or long-life battery
- Interconnection not required
Water Charging and Efficiency
- Landlords can charge for water usage only if the property is separately metered
- Water efficiency is governed by Healthy Homes standards (heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control, drainage, and draught stopping)
Other Requirements
Must still comply with building approvals, fire safety, and minimum housing standards.
Mint Takeaway
Before renting out your property - whether it is a full home, a granny flat, or a single room - you must ensure it is:
- Legally approved
- Safe
- Clean
- Compliant with minimum standards
- Equipped with the correct smoke alarms for your jurisdiction
- Water efficient if you plan on charging for water usage
- Properly documented through an Entry Condition Report
A compliant property protects your investment, reduces disputes, and ensures you can confidently enforce the lease and make bond claims when needed.