All houses and dwellings, including those on the rental market, are required to maintain a minimum level of facilities, maintenance and safety in accordance with the Shire of Carnarvon Health Local Laws 1997. Environmental Health Officers may inspect houses when there is a health concern relating to minimum standards.
Minimum standards include adequate ventilation of habitable spaces, cooking areas and bathrooms. Maintenance and standard of all-electric wiring, gas services and fittings to comply in all respects with the requirements of the Office of Energy. Maintenance and standard of all pipes, fittings and fixtures connected with water supply, drainage or sewerage must comply with all the provisions of the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Act 1909 and any other legal requirements to which they are subject
When houses are of serious concern, the Shire may by notice declare the house unfit for habitation and may direct such house to be repaired or demolished as the case may be. In this case, the owner of the house can appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review of the decision.
MAINTENANCE OF DWELLINGS
All houses and dwellings, including those on the rental market, are required to maintain a minimum level of facilities, maintenance and safety in accordance with the Shire of Carnarvon Health Local Laws 1997. Environmental Health Officers may inspect houses when there is a health concern relating to minimum standards.
Minimum standards include adequate ventilation of habitable spaces, cooking areas and bathrooms.
In regards to maintenance:
- The owner or occupier of a dwelling house shall maintain the dwelling house and any appurtenant (belonging or pertaining to) buildings in sound condition and fit for use and, in particular, shall—
(a) maintain all rooves, guttering and downpipes in sound weatherproof condition;
(b) maintain any footings, foundations and walls, either external or internal, in a sound condition;
(c) replace any missing, broken, decayed or termite-eaten timber or other deteriorated material in any verandah, roof, walls, steps, handrails, floors or their supports with the material of sound quality;
(d) comply with the directions of an Environmental Health Officer to treat the premises for the purpose of destroying any termites;
(e) maintain any brick, stone, mortar or cement work in a sound condition;
(f) maintain, repair or replace any flashings or ant caps that are missing or defective;
(g) maintain all ventilators in good order and repair;
(h) maintain all floors even in surface and free from cracks;
(i) maintain all ceilings, internal wall finishes, skirtings, architraves and other fixtures and fittings complete and with smooth unbroken surfaces;
(j) maintain all doors and windows in good working order and weatherproof condition;
(k) retain all-natural lighting free from any obstruction which would reduce the natural lighting, below the ratio of 10% of the floor area;
(l) maintain all pipes, fittings and fixtures connected with water supply, drainage or sewerage so that they comply in all respects with the provisions of the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Act 1909 and any other legal requirements to which they are subject; and
(m) maintain all electric wiring, gas services and fittings to comply in all respects with the requirements of the Office of Energy.
When houses are of serious concern, the Shire may by notice declare the house unfit for habitation and may direct such house to be repaired or demolished as the case may be. In this case, the owner of the house can appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review of the decision.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous crystalline mineral, found in rock formations. Three main types of asbestos have been mined in Australia, including crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and chrysotile (white asbestos).
Asbestos cement products were commonly manufactured in WA from 1921 to 1987. The use of crocidolite ceased in 1966. Most uses of amosite ceased in May 1984. The use of chrysotile asbestos was phased out between 1981 and 1987. Manufacturing of all asbestos products ceased in 1987.
Asbestos cement products were commonly used in buildings in the Shire of Carnarvon and as a result, many current buildings may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a hazardous material. Its removal and disposal are legislated by the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992 and Worksafe WA. Strict requirements for the removal of asbestos must be followed.
Useful Links
Safe Work Australia Asbestos
Asbestos Awareness – Stop Playing Renovation Roulette