What does a Healthy Homes Evaluation inspection cover?
The Healthy Homes Evaluation inspection will report on your investment property compliance status against the Healthy Home Standards. This ensures your property, whether owned or managed, is compliant within the required timeline and provides end-to-end services required to rectify any issues.
The residential inspection will also alert property owners to any high risk, life threatening safety hazards that may be present at the property and will provide options to mitigate those risks which will help to keep your tenants safe.
What are the Inspectors looking for?
Insulation
The minimum level of ceiling and underfloor insulation must either meet the 2008 Building Code, or (for existing ceiling insulation) have a minimum thickness of 120mm and be in reasonable condition with no dampness, damage or displacement.
Ventilation & Extraction
Ventilation must include openable windows in each habitable space. The windows must comprise at least 5% of the floor area of that space. An appropriately sized extraction fan or rangehood must be installed in rooms with a bath, shower or indoor cooktop.
Heating
The main living room must have a fixed heating device that can heat the room to at least 18°C. The new regulations clarify the requirements for heating devices, as some will not meet the requirements under the standard due to inefficiencies, affordability or poor health.
Draught Stopping
Any gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors that cause unreasonable draughts must be remedied. This includes all unused open fireplaces and chimneys.
Moisture Ingress & Drainage
The standards reinforce the existing law which states that landlords must have adequate drainage and guttering. If a rental property has an enclosed subfloor space, it must have an on ground moisture barrier, which will stop moisture rising into the home.
High Risk Safety Hazards
Any identifiable life threatening hazards are observed and cautionary notes added by the inspector. These include smoke alarms, building, inhalation, falls, glass, electrical, gas and pool fencing.
