Minimum housing standards
- 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
Examples of substandard properties
External downpipe leading to front door, tripping hazard
Collapsing side fence
Uneven driveway paving, tripping hazard
Rusted and collapsing rain water tank
Major cracking, external wall
Collapsing cornice and severe cracking to inside wall
Excessive cracking and movement to internal wall
Significant mould
Rotting floorboards and fretting in walls