Navigating New Housing Standards: A Guide for Pest Controllers Performing Building Inspections

In the ever-evolving landscape of property management, staying abreast of regulatory updates is crucial for all professionals involved, including pest controllers who also perform building inspections. A significant change on the horizon that will impact the industry is the introduction of the 'Minimum Housing Standards - QLD.' These new standards, set to affect all rental properties in Queensland, Australia, will be enforced for new tenancies from 1st September 2023 and applicable to all tenancies from 1st September 2024.

As a pest controller, understanding these changes is not only a regulatory requirement but also a service value that you bring to your clients. These new standards aim to improve the quality of living in rental properties and safeguard the interests of tenants. They encapsulate several aspects of a rental property to ensure it is safe, comfortable, and of high standard.

This article will guide you through these new standards, focusing on aspects that directly impact pest control operations, and explain how the Pest Management App can help you navigate these changes effectively.

Let's dive in and explore these new standards in detail.

Understanding the Minimum Housing Standards

The Minimum Housing Standards are designed to enhance the quality of life in rental properties and protect tenant rights. They cover various aspects of a rental property to ensure it is safe, comfortable, and of a high standard. Here are the key requirements of the Minimum Housing Standards that pest controllers should be aware of:

1. Structural Integrity and Weatherproof: The rental property must be structurally sound and weatherproof, ensuring it's safe for occupants in all weather conditions. This includes checking for potential pest infestations that could compromise the structural integrity of the property.
2. Repair and Safety: All fixtures and fittings in the property must be in good repair. This includes ensuring that there are no pest-related damages that could cause injury through normal use.
3. Security: All external doors and windows that can be reached without a ladder must have functioning locks or latches. This includes checking for any pest-related damages that could compromise the security of the tenants.
4. Vermin, Damp and Mould: Rental properties must be free from vermin, damp, and mould. This does not include cases where the tenant has caused these conditions. As a pest controller, it's crucial to identify and address any signs of vermin infestation.
5. Privacy: The property must include curtains or other window coverings in rooms where privacy is expected, such as bedrooms. This includes checking for any signs of pest activity that could compromise privacy, such as nests or droppings.
6. Plumbing and Drainage: The property must have adequate plumbing and drainage and be connected to hot and cold water suitable for drinking. This includes checking for any signs of pest activity in these areas, such as nests or droppings.
7. Bathroom and Kitchen Facilities: Rental properties must provide privacy in bathroom areas and have flushable toilets connected to a sewer, septic tank, or other waste disposal system. If a kitchen is provided, it must have a functioning cooktop. This includes checking for any signs of pest activity in these areas.
8. Laundry Facilities: If laundry facilities are provided, the property should include necessary fixtures such as tap fixtures and adequate plumbing. A washing machine or other white goods need not be included as these may be provided by the tenant. This includes checking for any signs of pest activity in these areas.

Understanding these standards is crucial as you prepare your inspection reports for rental properties under the new regulations. But that's not all. There are more details and intricacies to these standards, which lead to some common questions.

Common Questions about the New Minimum Housing Standards

As pest controllers, you may have questions about how these new standards apply to your work. Here are some common questions and their answers:

1. Does a rental property need to meet minimum housing standards from 1 September 2023 if an existing tenant renews their tenancy after that date? Absolutely. The introduction of minimum housing standards from 1 September 2023 applies to all new tenancy agreements. This means even if a tenancy agreement is being renewed with the same occupants, the standards must be met. As a pest controller, you need to ensure that your pest management strategies align with these standards.
2. What does weatherproof and structurally sound mean in the context of these new standards? When the new standards refer to a property being weatherproof, it means that the structure, including the roof and windows, should be able to prevent rainwater from entering the premises. 'Structurally sound' indicates that the property must be safe for occupation - the walls, ceilings, and roofs should be in good condition without any risk of collapse or significant dampness. Also, other structures such as decks and stairs should be safe, free from rot or defects.
3. Will all external doors and windows need to have locks or latches for the property to meet minimum housing standards? To align with the minimum housing standards, all external windows and doors in a property must have functioning locks or latches to secure against unauthorized entry. However, this only applies to windows and doors that can be accessed from outside the property or room (for rooming accommodation) without a ladder. Each property should be evaluated individually to ensure safety and security as per the legislation's requirements.
4. Will every room in the rental property need to have a blind, curtain, or other privacy covering to meet minimum housing standards? Privacy coverings such as blinds, curtains, tinted windows, or glass frosting must be provided in rooms where a tenant might reasonably expect privacy, like bedrooms. However, if a window is blocked from outside view by a fence, hedge, tree, or other property feature, privacy coverings are not required.
5. Who is responsible for mould, damp, or vermin during a tenancy? Should issues like mould, damp, or vermin arise during the tenancy, the tenant should inform the property manager/owner promptly. If the issue is due to structural problems with the property, the property manager/owner is responsible for resolving it and carrying out any necessary repairs. Examples include mould due to a leaky roof or a termite infestation in the walls. However, if these issues are caused by the tenant's actions, it falls on the tenant to rectify. For example, if mould develops because the tenant failed to ventilate or clean the bathroom properly, or if vermin infestation occurs because the tenant's actions attracted the animals to the property.

Preparing for the Changes: What Pest Controllers Need to Do

With these significant changes on the horizon, pest controllers need to equip themselves to meet the new requirements. We have noticed that real estate agents have already started inquiring about the Minimum Housing Standards Inspection Reports. Hence, being proactive and prepared for this new regulation is not only recommended but essential.

Familiarity with the minimum housing standards and an understanding of the implications for pest control routines are crucial steps in this preparation. Here's what you need to do to get prepared:

1. Understand the New Standards in Detail: Make sure to thoroughly comprehend the new minimum housing standards. They cover several aspects from structural soundness to damp, mould and vermin control, privacy coverings, and functional utilities. Each one of these standards has nuances that pest controllers need to be aware of.
2. Update Inspection Checklists and Reports: Pest control reports or forms, often referred to as "checklists", need to be updated in line with the new standards. This includes revising all the criteria and aspects to be inspected to ensure they're compliant with the new legislation. This step ensures your inspection processes are updated and can effectively identify any issues that contravene the new standards.
3. NOTE: The Building Inspection Pack by Formtize includes the updated Minimum Housing Standards inspection report as a ready-to-use template, ensuring effortless compliance with the new standards.
4. Undertake Additional Training: Additional training might be necessary to effectively implement the new standards. Look out for professional development opportunities, webinars, workshops or training sessions relating to the new standards. This not only helps in understanding the nuances of the changes but also ensures you can provide an expert service to your clients.
5. Communicate the Changes: Your clients need to be aware of the new changes as well. Make it a point to communicate these changes to property owners, tenants, and property management agencies. Highlight the changes, what they mean, and how they will impact existing and future tenancies.
6. Leverage the Right Tools: Consider using advanced inspection tools, such as the Pest Management App powered by Formitize, that are updated to reflect the new standards. These tools streamline the process, ensure nothing is overlooked, and provide a comprehensive report that aligns with the new legislation.

Preparing in advance ensures that you are ready to meet these new standards head-on, provide high-quality service to their clients, and remain compliant with the changing regulations. This proactive approach is vital in today's dynamic real estate market, and the steps outlined above will help you get ready for the changes set to take effect from 1 September 2023.

Next, let's look at how the Pest Management App can help facilitate these changes.

Not an Existing User? We're Here to Help

If you're not currently using the Pest Management App but recognize the value it can bring in managing these new industry standards, don't worry. Our team is ready to assist you.

We can guide you through the process of setting up your account, and show you how to make the most of all the features the App offers, including the newly added report tailored to the "Minimum housing standards - QLD."

You can get in touch with our team for assistance, or if you prefer, you can get started for free today.

The Pest Management App is more than just a tool - it's a smart business solution designed to empower pest controllers to adapt to industry changes, streamline operations, and provide exceptional service. No matter what changes the industry faces, we're committed to supporting our users every step of the way.

Adapting to Change with the Pest Management App

The digital age brings dynamic shifts to various industries, including pest control. The Pest Management App, powered by Formitize, aids pest controllers in navigating these changes, such as the new minimum housing standards in QLD, offering:

1. Customizable Inspection Reports: Adjust your inspection checklists to meet the new standards seamlessly. The App's intuitive interface allows easy revision of inspection criteria for comprehensive inspections.
2. Efficient Record Keeping: Capture vital data including photographic evidence, notes on potential issues, or compliance confirmations, all stored within the App.
3. Clear Communication: Generate and share professional reports directly from the App, fostering transparency about a property's compliance with new standards.
4. Accessible Training and Support: Get up-to-date with industry changes and maximize your use of the App through Formitize's extensive support.
5. Future-Proof: The App is designed to evolve with changing industry regulations, assuring its enduring value in delivering high-quality service.

The Queensland, Australia Minimum Housing Standards bring notable changes for pest controllers. With the Pest Management App, you can ensure readiness to navigate these changes, providing indispensable service in the real estate market.

Helpful Resources and Further Information

For further information and comprehensive understanding of the "Minimum housing standards - QLD" legislation, we recommend visiting the following links:

1. Minimum housing standards - QLD Legislation: Official legislation document outlining the requirements for the new standards.
2. Rental law changes - Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA): Additional details about the rental law changes in QLD.

As pest controllers, keeping up-to-date with industry changes is essential for providing accurate and compliant service. Bookmark this page and the above resources and refer to them regularly as you adjust to the new standards.