Minimum Housing Standards

Any fixtures, fittings or other facilities provided must not present a health or safety hazard. The fixtures, fittings and facilities must be properly installed, fit for purpose for which they were intended or ordinarily used, and in good working order. More information and examples of substandard properties can be found by clicking the link above. 

·        External doors must be fitted with a lock that can be operated with a key on the outside and unlocked from the inside without a key

·        External windows that can be opened must be fitted with a latch

·        Ability to safely screen visitors, e.g., a suitably placed window, lockable screen door, peep-hole, security chain or intercom system

·        External light fitting

·        A kitchen sink

·        An oven and cooktop

·        Adequate bench space for food preparation

·        A food storage cupboard or pantry in or within reasonable proximity of the kitchen

·        Must be configured for ease of movement and access to the facilities

·        Must have adequate waterproofing in walls and floor

·        Must have hot and cold plumbed running water

·        Water from kitchen sink must be suitable for drinking

·        Must be plumbed to a drainage system capable of disposing all sewage and wastewater

·        Have at least one electric light fixture

·        Reasonably sufficient electrical power points

·        Must be adequately ventilated

·        Must be adequately lit

·        Have at least one electric light fixture

·        Reasonably sufficient electrical power points

·        Must be adequately ventilated

·        Must be adequately lit

·        Have at least one electric light fixture

·        Reasonably sufficient electrical power points

·        Must be adequately ventilated

·        Must be adequately lit

·        A toilet

·        A bath or shower

·        A hand basin

·        Must be configured for ease of movement and access to the facilities

·        Must have adequate privacy to someone using the facilities

·        Toilet doors must not open directly into a room used or intended to be used for food storage, preparation, cooking or consumption, unless ventilated by an exhaust fan or similar

·        Must have adequate waterproofing in walls and floor

·        Must have hot and cold plumbed running water to bath

·        Must have cold plumbed running water to toilet

·        Must be plumbed to a drainage system capable of disposing all sewage and wastewater

·        Have at least one electric light fixture

·        Reasonably sufficient electrical power points

·        Must be adequately ventilated

·        Must be adequately lit

·        A laundry wash trough or basin must be provided

·        Space and a designated water supply outlets within immediate vicinity for a washing machine

·        A wastewater discharge pipe for a washing machine

·        Must have cold plumbed running water supply outlet

·        Must be configured for ease of movement and access to the facilities

·        Must have adequate waterproofing in walls and floor

·        Must have hot and cold plumbed running water

·        Must be plumbed to a drainage system capable of disposing all sewage and wastewater

·        Have at least one electric light fixture

·        Reasonably sufficient electrical power points

·        Must be adequately ventilated

·        Must be adequately lit

·        Continuous supply of electricity

·        Each electrical installation, alteration, relocation, repair or maintenance must be compliant with relevant law

·        Each gas installation, alteration, relocation, repair or maintenance must be compliant with relevant law

·        Maintained so not to present a fire hazard

·        Fitted with smoke alarms in compliance with relevant law

·        Must be free from materials or substances that pose a serious risk or harm to the health of occupants, e.g., disturbed or damaged asbestos

·        Each internal wall and ceiling must be constructed from rigid material

·        Ceiling height must be compliant with relevant law

·        Stairs including the risers and goings and any landings, balustrades and handrails must be compliant with relevant law

·        Footings providing effective structural support

·        Reasonably draught proof and weatherproof

·        Reasonably free from mould or other irritants

·        Reasonably free from the adverse effects of moisture or damp

·        Have effective drainage

·        Reasonably free and unimpeded access and egress in event of emergency

·        Maintained to prevent the accumulation of rubbish

·        Maintained to prevent vermin infestation

·        Swimming pool must be compliant with relevant law