Are Healthy Homes Reinspections Necessary?

There is nothing in legislation requiring landlords to conduct healthy homes reinspections at prescribed intervals. So don't let anyone tell you there is. The legislation only states that once properties have achieved compliance - they must stay compliant. Ask yourself the following:

Bathroom and Kitchen Extractor Fans
Are they still in good working order? If yes, you've nothing to do!

Heating
Is the heating device still in good working order? If yes, nothing to do!

We do recommend you consider basic maintenance for Heat pumps. Regular servicing removes dust, odours, moisture and mould from both the internal and external units - unblocks filters, blower wheels and heat exchanges and empties the drain assy. This will extend the life of the unit. Woodburners should have their flue cleaned annually and box and parts assessed for safety and functionality.

Ceiling Insulation
This will need checking periodically because over time:

• insulation compresses and loses some ability to trap heat, therefore reducing the R value performance
• work may have been carried out in the ceiling cavity with insulation moved, creating gaps for heat loss to occur
• moisture from condensation may be present affecting the performance
• simple age degradation

Underfloor Insulation
Check periodically to ensure it hasn't become detached and fallen in places

Ground Moisture Barriers
If still intact, nothing to do!

Draughts
Have any window latches broken or come loose? Have draught strips come loose or become ineffective? If no, nothing to do!

Gutters, Downpipes and Soak Holes
Have gutters been cleaned to remove build up of debris? Are the connections between gutters and downpipes still solid. Are soak holes still functioning? If yes, nothing to do!

Our office is taking a common-sense approach to the re-assessment of properties as follows:

When your tenant gives notice, we will check when your property was last assessed. We'll look at the date and outcome of that last assessment, alongside the age of the property and our installation records to determine if a new check is required. If there is any uncertainty, we will explain why and request a reassessment is carried out.

If you had previously opted to self assess and you didn't provide installation invoices or photos of the ceiling cavity for example, we may come to you and ask you to update the information or request professional assessment.

During a tenancy, under Section 40(1)(d) of the RTA, tenants have an obligation to report anything that requires maintenance at the property. This includes aspects of healthy homes compliance that become non-functioning. If this occurs, the repair or maintenance will not be optional. This obligation on tenants to report, goes some way to ensuring continued compliance for some obvious aspects e.g.: fans are functioning, heating is running well, there are no new draughts. However, tenants are not expected to climb into ceiling cavities for example.

Please note that your Property Manager also does not climb into ceiling cavities, climb on roofs or crawl under subfloors. So, if your property manager advises you that it is time to update your healthy homes status, a reinspection will need to be arranged. Current supplier pricing for a reinspection is $199+gst up to 199m2 then $100+gst for every additional 100m2. *Supplier pricing could change at anytime.