What are the exemptions to the insulation standard ? There are three specific exemptions to the insulation standard . These are :
Exemption where access is impracticable or unsafe This exemption covers properties where it is not reasonably practicable to install insulation . It is not reasonably practicable to install insulation if a professional installer can ’ t access the area without :
• Carrying out substantial building work , or
• Causing substantial damage to the property , or
• Creating greater risks to a person ’ s health and safety than is normally acceptable , or
• It is otherwise not reasonably practicable for a professional installer to carry out the work .
For example :
• There isn ’ t enough space for a professional to install insulation in the roof cavity or subfloor , or
• There is no cavity ( e . g . concrete slab foundations ).
Partial exemption for certain underfloor insulation This partial exemption applies to certain existing underfloor insulation that met certain requirements under an enactment or bylaw at the time it was installed ( e . g . when the property was built or building work was carried out ).
Landlords must have a copy of any compliance documents that shows the home met the requirements of the time , i . e . code compliance certificate , certificate of acceptance or another relevant compliance document . If this insulation is in reasonable condition it will meet the healthy homes standards for underfloor insulation .
Exemption for ceilings and floors where another domestic living space is directly above or below This exemption applies if there is another domestic living space immediately above or below the rental property ( e . g . another apartment ).
Ventilation
The living room , dining room , kitchen and bedrooms of rental properties must have at least one or more windows , doors or skylights that are ‘ openable ’ i . e . that open to the outdoors , allow the flow of air into and out of the property , and can be fixed in an open position .
The openable windows , doors or skylights must be at least five percent of the floor area in each respective room .
For the ventilation standard , all kitchens and bathrooms must have an extractor fan that ventilates to outdoors . The ‘ kitchen ’ is classed as any room with an indoor cooktop and a ‘ bathroom ’ is a room that has a bath or shower .
What are the window requirements ? The total ‘ openable area ’ refers to the total area of the internal side of the openable windows , doors , or skylights , including the framing and joinery . This must be at least five percent of the floor area total for that particular space .
Requirements for kitchen extractor fans
Installed FROM 1 July 2019 : The fan and all exhaust ducting must have a diameter of at least 150mm or the fan and all exhaust ducting must have an exhaust capacity of at least 50 litres per second . The fan must vent extracted air to outdoors .
Installed BEFORE 1 July 2019 : No minimum size or performance requirements but fans must be in good working order and ventilate to outdoors . This means that the range hood or extractor fan must not vent back into the kitchen , into a roof space or other space . Any ducting must be connected , intact ( i . e . without tears or holes ) and installed so that extracted air can flow freely through it . Any grills or filters must be unclogged .
Requirements for bathroom extractor fans
Installed AFTER 1 July 2019 : The fan and all exhaust ducting must either have a diameter of at least 120mm or the fan and all exhaust ducting must have an exhaust capacity of at least 25 litres per second . The fan must vent extracted air to outdoors .
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