Nearly every product on the market has to meet a set of standards, from food to cars to computers.
A Victorian Greens MP, Greg Barber, believes basic standards should also apply to people’s homes in the private rental sector.  He has proposed legislation for Victoria to establish these standards.
The standards would cover things like structural integrity. The standards might include an electrical safety switch, windows with glass in them, locks, running water, a stove and a sink, protection from damp and its effects.  What do you think?  At a time when private rental properties don’t have to meet basic standards, is it appropriate for the Government to strip funding from tenant advice services?  Who will help tenants exercise their rights to get basic maintenance and repairs done?

Have a look at Greg Barber’s proposal here.