If you own a rental property in Australia, keeping up with the legal requirements might feel like a lot to manage. But staying on top of rental property compliance is essential—not only to meet your obligations as a landlord but to protect your investment and provide a safe, comfortable home for your tenants.
With laws continuing to tighten across the country, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, it’s more important than ever to understand your responsibilities and how to meet them.
Whether you’re new to renting or have years of experience, this guide walks you through the essentials of compliance and offers practical advice tailored to the Australian market.
What is Rental Property Compliance?
Rental property compliance means making sure your property meets the safety, health and legal standards set out in your state or territory. These regulations are in place to protect both tenants and landlords. A compliant property is not only safer to live in—it’s also easier to manage and much less likely to cause headaches down the track.
Getting it right offers clear benefits:
- Tenants are happier and more secure
- You reduce the risk of fines, legal disputes or insurance issues
- Your property is better maintained and more appealing to renters
On the other hand, missing a key safety check or failing to meet minimum housing standards can result in penalties, tribunal action or worse. In serious cases, non-compliance could lead to injury or significant financial loss. That’s why it’s worth making rental compliance part of your regular property management routine.
The Key Areas of Rental Property Compliance in Australia
While each state has its legislation, there are several core areas of compliance that apply across the country. Understanding these key areas builds a strong foundation for managing compliance, regardless of where your property is located.
Smoke Alarms
Every rental property in Australia must have working smoke alarms installed in line with local laws. Landlords must place alarms correctly, test them regularly, and maintain them properly. In most states, you arrange annual servicing and respond promptly when tenants report a fault.
Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety measures in any home, and failing to meet the requirements could have serious consequences, both legally and in terms of tenant safety.
Electrical and Gas Safety
Landlords must ensure all electrical and gas installations are safe and functioning. In Victoria, professional safety checks are mandatory every two years. Other states might not legally require regular checks, but you should conduct them as best practice and to meet insurance requirements.
Engaging licensed professionals for regular inspections can help prevent hazards, identify wear and tear early, and protect your property in the long run.
Water Efficiency
In NSW and QLD, landlords can only charge tenants for water usage if the property meets specific efficiency standards. This typically means having 3-star WELS-rated taps and showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and individual water meters. If mould or moisture damage stems from structural issues or poor maintenance, the landlord must fix it.
Building Safety and Structural Integrity
As a landlord, you need to ensure the building is structurally sound and safe to live in. This includes:
- Secure locks on all windows and doors
- Stable staircases, balconies and railings
- Pool fencing that meets legal requirements (where applicable)
- Proper weatherproofing to prevent dampness, leaks and drafts
Maintaining these areas helps you avoid both repair costs and compliance risks.
Mould, Ventilation and Weatherproofing
A liveable property should be free from mould, excessive damp or poor airflow. Landlords are responsible for providing adequate ventilation and addressing any underlying causes of moisture. Recent reforms in NSW, for instance, have placed a stronger emphasis on these standards, but similar principles apply throughout Australia.
If mould or moisture damage stems from structural issues or poor maintenance, the landlord must fix it.
Tenancy Agreements and Bond Lodgement
Tenancy paperwork might seem straightforward, but it’s a critical part of rental compliance. Landlords must:
- Use the correct lease agreement template for their state
- Include all prescribed information (such as safety compliance notices)
- Lodge the bond with the appropriate authority within the set timeframe
Incorrect or missing documents can lead to disputes and leave you legally exposed.
Understanding Compliance in NSW, VIC, and QLD
While national themes exist, each state sets its own rules, and they can vary significantly. Here’s what you need to know across the eastern states.
New South Wales (NSW)
In NSW, the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 outlines clear expectations for rental providers. Here’s what you need to know:
- Smoke Alarms: You must test these annually. If a tenant reports a fault, you must fix it within two business days.
- Electrical Safety: From March 2025, all rentals must have safety switches installed on every power circuit.
- Minimum Housing Standards: The property must be weatherproof, have adequate ventilation and be free from mould.
- Water Efficiency: To charge tenants for water usage, landlords must install 3-star water-efficient fixtures and individually meter the property.
NSW’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) regularly handles disputes over compliance breaches, so it’s important to stay current and proactive.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria’s rental laws are some of the most detailed in the country, following reforms introduced in 2021. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018 set out new standards for safety and amenity.
Landlords must:
- Meet strict minimum standards, including functioning heating, secure windows and doors, a working kitchen, and safe, lockable premises
- Arrange gas and electrical checks every two years, carried out by licensed professionals rod
- Perform annual smoke alarm servicing, and notify tenants of their role in testing alarms
- Respond quickly to urgent repairs, or tenants may arrange them and seek reimbursement
Non-compliance is often met with strong enforcement through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), and landlords may be ordered to pay compensation or carry out repairs at their own cost.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland rental compliance follows the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act, updated by the Housing Legislation Amendment Act 2021.
Key responsibilities include:
- Installing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and level of the home. These alarms must be hardwired or have non-removable 10-year batteries.
- Ensuring properties meet minimum housing standards from 2024 onwards, covering security, weatherproofing and vermin control.
- Meeting water efficiency requirements before charging tenants for usage, with evidence to support compliance.
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) regularly reviews tenant complaints and can issue rulings that require landlords to address non-compliance or provide compensation.
Landlords vs Property Managers
Many landlords work with property managers to help run their rentals. While agents can assist with maintenance, inspections and communication, the legal responsibility still lies with the landlord.
As a landlord, you’re responsible for:
- Ensuring the property meets minimum safety and health standards
- Booking and documenting smoke alarm, gas and electrical inspections
- Providing legally compliant tenancy documentation
- Responding to maintenance requests within required timeframes
A property manager can help by:
- Scheduling inspections and maintenance
- Keeping records and documentation organised
- Advising you on state-specific law changes or obligations
It’s a team effort, but as the property owner, you remain legally accountable for ensuring compliance is met.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Neglecting your compliance obligations doesn’t just affect your tenants, it can directly impact your finances and your legal standing. Here are some of the key risks:
- Fines and penalties: These penalties can be substantial, especially if you fail to maintain safety equipment like smoke alarms.
- Insurance issues: Insurers may deny claims if the property was non-compliant at the time of an incident.
- Tribunal orders: Tenants may take legal action, and tribunals can order landlords to pay compensation or cover the cost of repairs.
- Reputational damage: Non-compliance can hurt your reputation as a landlord, making it harder to attract and retain good tenants.
The good news? Most compliance issues are avoidable with a little organisation and professional support.
How to Stay on Top of Rental Property Compliance
Keeping compliant doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right systems in place, it becomes a natural part of how you manage your property.
Start with these key steps:
- Book regular inspections. Check smoke alarms, gas systems, and electrical services on schedule to stay compliant and keep your property safe.
- Use checklists. A good checklist, tailored to your state, helps you cover every compliance requirement without missing a thing.
- Stay informed. Sign up for updates from your state’s rental authority to keep up with law changes. Keep records. Save reports, certificates and communication in one place for easy access.
- Work with professionals. Engaging an experienced inspector or property compliance expert can take the guesswork out of the process.
It’s about being proactive, not reactive, and protecting both your tenants and your investment in the process.
How Professional Inspections Support Compliance
An independent property inspection is one of the most reliable ways to check your compliance is up to scratch. These inspections give you an expert view of the property’s condition, as well as a detailed record of what’s working, what’s not, and what needs attention.
At Landmark Inspections, our reports help landlords:
- Spot issues early before they become costly or dangerous
- Understand what local regulations require
- Build a paper trail in case a dispute or claim arises
- Feel confident that their property is safe and compliant
It’s a smart way to stay ahead of your responsibilities without the stress of trying to figure it all out on your own.
Protect Your Investment with Landmark Inspections
Keeping your rental property compliant isn’t just a legal box to tick—it’s one of the most important things you can do as a landlord. It protects your tenants, supports your long-term financial goals, and gives you the confidence that everything is as it should be.
At Landmark Inspections, we specialise in helping landlords meet their compliance obligations with clarity and ease. We tailor our detailed inspections to your location and support them with a team that understands the legislation inside and out.
If you want peace of mind that your property is in top shape, we’re here to help.
Book your inspection with us today and take the stress out of staying compliant.
