Maintenance: Life Span Guidelines

These guidelines are provided by QCAT to assist property owners to assess the expected life spans of certain maintenance items in a rental property.

Please note that these are guidelines only and can vary based on the area, the type of construction and the turnover of tenants and may require a certified professional to check, maintain and replace.

• Painting (internal): Every 5 years

• Bathroom renovation: Every 20 years

• Painting (exterior): Varying

• Hot water system: Every 7 years

• Oven: Every 10 years

• Kitchen renovation: Every 10–15 years

• Clean gutters: Check annually

• Pest inspections: Check annually

• Electrical wiring: Check every 2–3 years

• Swimming pool: Check filtration equipment — annually

• Replacing floor coverings including carpets: Every 7–10 years

• Smoke alarms: In most states across Australia smoke alarms complying with Australian Standards must be fitted in all rental properties and in accordance with the Building Code of Australia — check alarm and replace batteries annually.

• Houses: Structural checks including safety of balconies, verandahs and roofs — check annually