From 1 December 2020, all new or renewed tenancy agreements must also include specific information about the landlord’s current level of compliance with the healthy homes standards so tenants and landlords will be aware of the standards before compliance is required from 1 July 2021.
We will have a template for this statement available from 1 December 2020 and it will cover the following information:
Heating standard
- The type of acceptable heater in the main living room and its heating capacity (in kilowatts).
- The required heating capacity for the main living room to reach at least 18°C.
- If a landlord relies on the tolerance or ‘top-up’ allowance for existing heaters, they will need to state this, with a brief description of why it applies.
Insulation standard (in addition to the signed insulation statement)
For each ceiling insulated, either:
- the insulation’s R-value and, if known, the date it was installed and when it was last inspected, or
- the thickness of the insulation and, if known, the date when it was last inspected. For each underfloor space the insulation’s R-value and, if known, the date it was installed and when it was last inspected. For each ceiling and suspended floor that isn’t insulated, the reason why not.
Ventilation standard
- A statement that each habitable space in the premises has one or more openable windows or doors (that meets the requirements detailed in the ventilation section above).
- The diameter or exhaust capacity of each extractor fan installed in any kitchen or bathroom.
Moisture and drainage standard
- A statement that the rental property has an efficient drainage system.
- Either, that the property does not have any enclosed subfloor spaces or that each enclosed subfloor space has a ground moisture barrier.
Draught stopping standard
- A statement that any open fireplace is either closed off, the chimney is blocked or that it isn’t blocked off at the tenant’s written request.
- A statement that the property is free from unreasonable gaps that allow draughts into or out of the premises.
Exemptions
If an exemption applies, the landlord must make a statement explaining the exemption and briefly describe the circumstances that led to the exemption.
Landlords that don’t comply could face a financial penalty of up to $500.
For more information regarding Healthy Homes, you can view the factsheet, and the full legislation. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call your Property Manager – we are always here to help!
Note: This statement isn’t required for a fixed-term tenancy which ends before the healthy homes compliance date of 1 July 2021.
