As you may have realised, the tenancy laws in Queensland have plenty of complexities to follow. For landlords, even seemingly minor laws can have serious consequences if ignored.
Fortunately, we have the best property management advice for you.
In this article, we explore the intricacies of installing a clothesline for tenants. You’ll be surprised by just how much you have to know about the basic washing line!
Minimum Housing Standards and Queensland Fixture Laws
In Queensland, fixtures are items you attach or install on the property. Examples of these are smoke alarms, picture hooks, and clotheslines.
You’re required to install certain fixtures on the rental property. For instance, smoke alarms are part of the Australian standards. Moreover, landlords must provide appliances dedicated to cooking.
The good news is washing lines aren’t part of the minimum housing standards. If a tenant wants to install one, they must get your approval in writing!
Do Landlords Have to Provide a Washing Line in Queensland?
No. Landlords in Queensland don’t have to provide a washing line for tenants.
According to the Residential Tenancies Authority, properties must have the necessary fixtures for a functional laundry. These fixtures include a tap for the water supply, water connection, and plumbing.
Yet, it’s not a legal requirement for landlords to provide a washing machine and dryer. There’s also no need to install one if washing facilities aren’t part of the tenancy agreement.
The RTA guidebook says tenants can source washing machines and other white goods themselves.
Still, there are some advantages to providing basic facilities to tenants. You may want to stick around to learn why installing a washing line is in your best interest!
Why Should Landlords Install a Washing Line?
Here are some critical reasons you should install a clothesline for tenants on your residential properties.
1. Prevent Water Damage
First, if you don’t install a proper washing line, your tenant may hang their clothes indoors. The cold water from their laundry could drip and damage your flooring.
What’s more, the moisture evaporating from the wet clothing may increase the humidity in your property, leading to mould.
2. Become Energy Efficient
Having a washing line is sustainable and energy efficient.
Using the clothes dryer has a higher energy rating than drying with natural light. If your tenant can hang their clothes outside, you can lower the energy bills.
3. Alleviate Privacy Concerns
Privacy laws are strict in Queensland, to the point where landlords must provide blinds for tenants.
However, did you know that you can’t hang laundry along the external windows of a home? Some strata committees require privacy coverings for drying clothes.
To ensure your tenant’s laundry isn’t visible from street view, you may install washing lines in a private area.
4. Improve Living Conditions
Having an appropriate washing line is one of the basic standards you can provide for tenants. If you’re hosting a large family, they’ll need a place to hang all their clothes.
You improve your tenant’s living conditions by providing them with the tools they need for doing laundry. On top of this, you also raise the value of your property and make it more desirable for future tenants.
5. Control
As a property manager, it’s best to have control over installations.
You can avoid major repairs resulting from incompetent installers your tenant may hire. Plus, you can ensure the structural soundness of the fixture if you take control of its installation.
What Are the Disadvantages of Installing a Washing Line?
Installing a washing line in your property turns this fixture into an inclusion. What this means is the washing line becomes one of the responsibilities of landlords.
When you decide to install a clothesline, you’ll receive maintenance obligations. In cases of emergencies, you must conduct urgent repairs.
A broken washing line could translate to a loss of income in the future.
Can A Tenant Install a Washing Line in Queensland?
Yes. A tenant can install a washing line in Queensland, provided they get approval from the property manager.
To get approval, the tenant must write a notice of intention with the following details:
- The type of fixture to be installed
- A removal agreement and how the fixture will be removed
- An agreement on the compensation, if any
- Damage and repair responsibilities
The tenant must submit this notice of intention within the specified notice period on the rental agreements. They should also secure a written letter of approval from the rental provider before installation.
Tenant Obligations After Installing a Washing Line
Once the tenant gets approval for the installation, they must make a reasonable effort to maintain its clean condition.
In most cases, it’ll be the tenant’s obligation to maintain the clothing line. Additionally, the tenant also pays for the installation without charging the landlord.
What Happens If a Landlord Doesn’t Approve the Washing Line Installation?
If a landlord disapproves of the washing line installation, the tenant can explore alternative drying facilities.
Tenants can buy a clothes horse or a rack and dry their laundry beside a gas space heater. They may also find other places with adequate ventilation and access to light.
Of course, the tenant must avoid causing cold water damage to the property when choosing a drying location.
What Happens If a Tenant Installs a Washing Line Without Approval?
If one of your tenants install washing lines on a rental property without permission, it’ll be a breach of tenancy laws.
In case you like the installation, you can keep the washing line as it is. However, if you don’t like it, you can request a meeting with an administrative tribunal.
Here, landlords may ask the tenant to reinstate the property or have the tenant pay for damages.
Conclusion
Do landlords have to provide a washing line in Queensland?
The quick answer is no. As a property manager, you must provide tenants with taps, drainage, and a water source for laundry. A washing line is optional, as tenants can purchase this themselves.
Still, there are advantages to providing a washing line.
When your property has a washing line, you can prevent water damage and become energy efficient. To add, you raise the value of your property while improving your tenant’s living conditions.
We hope this guide gives clarity for property owners. Should you need more assistance with property management, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!