Window blinds aren’t merely for aesthetics. For rental properties, having blinds means safety and privacy for tenants.
Because of this, the Residential Tenancies Authority has guidelines on window blind provision.
Today, we dive into this legal requirement and teach you about the common breaches of minimum standards. Read on to learn some of the best tips from our professional property managers!
Do Landlords Have to Provide Blinds?
Yes, according to the minimum housing standards, landlords must provide window coverings. This applies to all windows where tenants expect reasonable privacy.
For instance, windows facing the outside of the home must have privacy coverings. What’s more, you must also provide privacy in bathroom areas by installing curtain rods on the windows.
Failure to provide blinds, even in unfurnished properties, breaches minimum housing standards.
Exceptions to the Minimum Housing Standards
Landlords only have legal obligations to provide blinds for external windows. There’s no need to install internal window coverings, as the purpose of the blinds is to prevent outsiders from seeing into the home.
On top of this, if there’s a fence or hedge outside that’s blocking the window, you don’t have to provide blinds as well. The fence can serve as a privacy covering in this case.
Effectivity Date of the Minimum Housing Standards
This law applies to all new tenants as of September 1, 2023.
For existing tenants you may have, you must follow the minimum housing standards by September 1, 2024. This means you should also install privacy coverings on all your properties with tenants.
Why Should Landlords Provide Blinds?
Aside from complying with the safety standards for rental properties, why should you provide blinds? Here are a few reasons.
1. Damage Control
You may want to prevent your tenants from installing curtain poles themselves. They could cause damage during the installation, which may result in extra costs.
Instead, it’s best if you hire a professional and buy the best quality blinds you can get.
2. Provide Adequate Living Conditions
Legal obligations aside, anyone should be able to live comfortably in their rental.
Providing curtain poles means your tenants have optimal privacy. They’ll be happier in your house, and you can improve your reputation as a landlord.
3. Alleviate Safety Concerns
As a landlord, you have a certain responsibility for your tenant’s safety.
When you provide curtain tracks, you keep your tenants safe from prying eyes. This is essential, especially if your apartment building is in an unsafe neighbourhood.
4. Save on Energy Bills
Window blinds are cost-effective when it comes to electricity.
During winter, curtains and blinds provide insulation. Curtains work by preventing heat from escaping through the window. You can lessen the amount of heat it takes to heat a room.
What Types of Window Coverings Can You Install?
Blind fittings aren’t the only type of covering you can use. Below are some excellent options for your rental property.
- Glass frosting
- Blackout curtains
- A privacy screen
- Tinted windows
- Window stickers
Depending on the type of window covering, you can provide your tenant with better light control. Some quality blinds also boost the appearance of your property, thereby increasing its value!
Can Tenants Bring Their Curtains to a Rental?
If the rental unit has curtain rods, tenants may replace the curtains provided by the property owner. Still, the tenant must return the curtains to their original place upon moving out.
Magnetic alternatives are cost-efficient replacements in cases where there are no curtain rods. The tenant may also request for the landlord to install window blinds according to the minimum housing standards.
Tenants must never install curtain rods themselves. They should always get written consent from the property owner.
Who’s Responsible for Cleaning the Curtains and Blinds?
Landlords are responsible for installing the necessities in a rental unit. For instance, the owner must provide a washing line and adequate plumbing.
The maintenance and repair of these types of facilities fall to the property manager. However, the duty of care and cleaning is the tenant’s responsibility.
In short, the tenant cleans the blinds. If the blinds get damaged, the tenant must inform the property owner of the necessary repairs.
What Happens if a Landlord Refuses to Provide Window Blinds?
If a property owner refuses to provide or repair window blinds, they’ll be in cold water. The tenant can issue a notice to remedy the breach, giving the landlord seven days to fix the blinds.
In case the window blinds aren’t fixed, the tenant may lodge a dispute resolution request. They can also apply for a repair order from the Queensland Administrative Tribunal.
This repair order will remain on your record even if the tenant moves out. You can only clear it once you address the issue.
What Happens If a Tenant Damages the Curtains or Blinds?
Tenants have the responsibility to leave the rental property in the same condition as when they first moved in. Only normal wear and tear is acceptable.
If a tenant damages the blinds, this is a breach of the tenancy agreement. They must arrange for a repair through the property owner as soon as possible.
The landlord may take the cost of the repair from the tenant’s security deposit if the tenant moves out without fixing the property damage.
Conclusion
Do landlords have to provide blinds?
The quick answer is yes, they do! Landlords must give the tenants adequate privacy coverings for external windows of the home. Bathroom windows must also have a privacy screen.
The reason for this is that tenants have the right to safety and privacy in their rental property.
In exchange, the tenant must maintain the blinds and keep them in excellent condition. If the window blinds break, the tenant must inform the property manager at once.
We hope this article provided you with some clarity. If you need more information on the duties of landlords, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!