06 COMMUNITY HOUSING STANDARDS
VERSION 1.2 MAY 2011
COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
Housing Standards Policy Manual
Version 1.2: May 2011
Copyright © 1997 Department of Human Services
Housing & Community Building
All rights reserved.
Published by Housing & Community Building, Victorian Government Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Victoria,
Australia.
Copyright State of Victoria, Department of Human Services, 2006.
This publication is copyright. You may make limited copies of this document in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968
(Cth), including copies for research, study, criticism, review or news reporting. Apart from this, you may not publish,
reproduce, adapt, modify, communicate or otherwise use any part of this document (in particular for commercial purposes).
Authorised by the State Government of Victoria, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents..................................................................................................................................... 3
Amendment Record Sheet ........................................................................................................................ 5
List of Effective Pages .............................................................................................................................. 6
Revision History ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Foreword ................................................................................................................................................. 8
About this Manual .................................................................................................................................... 9
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 9
Standards ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Exemptions to Standards Policy ............................................................................................................. 9
Symbols & Legends ................................................................................................................................ 10
Purpose & Scope .................................................................................................................................... 12
Purpose .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Objectives .......................................................................................................................................... 12
Definitions ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Key Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................ 15
References (as listed and as amended) ................................................................................................... 16
Policy .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Location ............................................................................................................................................. 18
Design and Town Planning .................................................................................................................. 18
Amenity and Accessibility..................................................................................................................... 18
Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................................ 19
Design and Construction ...................................................................................................................... 19
Property Titles .................................................................................................................................... 19
Termite protection .............................................................................................................................. 19
Security .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Locks ................................................................................................................................................. 20
Fences ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Building Services ................................................................................................................................. 20
Fire Risk Management ......................................................................................................................... 20
Landscaping ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Transitional, Group & Long Term Housing Standards ................................................................................ 22
Site Selection ...................................................................................................................................... 22
External Areas .................................................................................................................................... 22
Rear Yard Amenities ............................................................................................................................ 22
Internal and Utility Areas ..................................................................................................................... 22
Doors ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Locks ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Fire Risk Management ......................................................................................................................... 24
Fencing .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Landscaping ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Rooming House Standards ...................................................................................................................... 25
Site Selection ...................................................................................................................................... 25
External Areas .................................................................................................................................... 25
Rear Yard Amenities ............................................................................................................................ 26
Internal Areas ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Bedrooms ........................................................................................................................................... 28
Utility Areas ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Accessible Communal Laundry ............................................................................................................. 36
Safety and Support Features................................................................................................................ 37
Windows ............................................................................................................................................ 37
Doors ................................................................................................................................................. 38
Locks ................................................................................................................................................. 40
Floor Finishings ................................................................................................................................... 40
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
Paintwork ........................................................................................................................................... 41
Wall Finishes ...................................................................................................................................... 41
Insulation ........................................................................................................................................... 42
Building Services ................................................................................................................................. 42
Electrical Services ............................................................................................................................... 42
Lighting .............................................................................................................................................. 43
Appliances .......................................................................................................................................... 44
Ventilation .......................................................................................................................................... 45
Plumbing ............................................................................................................................................ 45
Television ........................................................................................................................................... 45
Fire Risk Management ......................................................................................................................... 45
Fencing .............................................................................................................................................. 47
Landscaping ....................................................................................................................................... 48
Index .................................................................................................................................................... 50
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AMENDMENT RECORD SHEET
The Director of Housing or its approved delegate authorises amendments to the Housing Standards Policy Manual (HSPM).
The first issue and subsequent complete re-issues of a manual are shown as version 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, etc.
amendments – for example, amendments 1, 2, 3, etc, are shown as version 1.1, 1.2, 1.3; or 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.
Subsequent
Amendments are summarised in the Revision History. The List of Effective Pages shows which pages have changed.
Amendments are by page replacement or addition, or by re-issue of the complete HSPM.
Amendment Number
Amendment Date
Amendment Inserted
Date of
Insertion
By (Name & Title)
V1.2
May 2011
Chapter 6: Approved by Director
Property Portfolio
May 2011
Update to reflect 6 Star energy
efficiency rating
V1.1a
v1.1
July 2010
Carpet and underlay
August 2010
Hazardous curtain and blind cords
February 2009
Director
Public
Housing
Community Building
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
September 2010
&
March 2009
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES
Pages
Version & Date
Cover Pages
Version 1.2
May 2011
Legal Page (verso cover page)
Version 1.2
May 2011
Table of Contents
Version 1.2
May 2011
Amendment Record Sheet
Version 1.2
May 2011
List of Effective Pages
Version 1.2
May 2011
Revision History
Version 1.2
May 2011
Foreword
Version 1.2
May 2011
About this Manual
Version 1.2
May 2011
Maintenance Standards
Version 1.2
May 2011
Index
Version 1.2
May 2011
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
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REVISION HISTORY
The Following table shows the revision history of this chapter.
Version
Date
Details
V1.2
May 2011
Amendments to V1.2 reflect 6 Star energy efficiency rating
requirement
V1.1a
September 2010
Amendments to update v1.1a
v1.1
June 2009
Amendments to update v1.0
v1.0
September 2002
First issue of Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
FOREWORD
The Housing & Community Building (HCB) operates a range of Community Programs that provide housing assistance to
Victorians in need. Community Programs include crisis and transitional accommodation and long term housing programs
such as Rooming Houses, Group Housing, joint ventures and co-operatives.
Community Program properties are managed by community housing groups and agencies. This diverse range of
accommodation type requires standards that reflect the special needs of the people who reside in certain types of housing
such as rooming houses and refuges. Nevertheless, family, singles and older persons' housing and housing for clients with
a disability provided under the Community Housing program, should generally comply with the Construction, Modified
Housing and Purchase Standards for rental general stock.
The Community Housing Standards outline the level of amenity required for new properties constructed and leased under
the Community Housing Program and provides the policy framework for such housing activities.
The Community Housing Standards have been developed reflecting HCB, Department of Human Services and legal
requirements, and the need to achieve maximum benefit from available funds.
DIRECTOR OF HOUSING
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
The Housing Standards Policy Manual (HSPM) sets out housing standards policy
applicable to all properties under the care, management and funding of Housing &
Community Building (HCB), with the intent of providing a framework for cost
effective and practicable standards for all HCB properties. The HSPM is comprised
of:
1.
Purchase Standards
2.
Construction Standards
3.
Reletting Standards
4.
Maintenance Standards
5.
Improvement Standards
6.
Community Housing Standards
7.
Leasing Standards
8.
Disposal Standards
9.
Product Standards
10. Modified Housing Standards
HCB MSS
HCB HACC
11. Community Facility Standards
12. Multi-Storey Construction Standards
13. Housing Agency Standards
Each chapter is intended to be stand alone, addressing the specific needs of the
subject asset management activity, with references to other chapters and
documents where appropriate.
The Community Housing Standards chapter aims to ensure cost effective common
standards of amenity and accommodation for all community housing owned or
funded by the Office of Housing in Victoria.
STANDARDS
The standards for community housing are based, where appropriate, on those
standards applicable to HCB rental general stock whilst recognising that some
tenant groups residing in community housing have specific accommodation and
amenity needs.
Community Housing Standards shall comply with all applicable legal requirements
and all applicable Departmental policies, standards and guidelines.
Unless specifically excluded herein, products, components, services, systems,
design, construction methods, etc. shall comply with the relevant AS Australian
Standards, AS/NZS Australian/New Zealand Standards or ISO International
Standards Organisation standards.
EXEMPTIONS TO
STANDARDS
POLICY
Where physical constraints such as age, design or construction type of an existing
property limit the application of the detail of these standards, or where excessive
costs will result, discretion is to be exercised in adopting alternative cost effective
solutions.
Where the broader principles of standards policy cannot be achieved, or where the
user considers amendments to the manual are justified, alternative standards may
be proposed by application for exemption.
Exemptions to Standards Policy may only be gained by application to, and approval
from, the Director, Policy, Strategy & Communications, Housing & Community
Building. The form for Exemption to Standards Policy is attached at the end of this
chapter.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
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SYMBOLS & LEGENDS
The Maintenance Standards have been developed using the following series of symbols for reference and explanatory notes
designed to help clarify the contents
Icon/Symbol
Reference
The Australian Standards symbol refers to applicable Australian Standards.
The Information symbol indicates further documentation applicable to Standards
Policy from other sources.
The Legal symbol refers to any statutory, regulatory or code requirements
applicable to Standards Policy.
The HCB symbol refers to further related information contained in HCB manuals or
documentation.
The Explanatory Notes symbol describes the decision-making rationale behind
particular policy positions.
The Amenity symbol refers to items that address the provision of particular
accommodation facilities of the property.
The Community Service Obligation symbol refers to community service
obligations as identified by HCB.
The Cost Savings symbol refers to items regarded by HCB as cost effective.
The Disabled Access symbol refers to accessibility by those persons who use a
wheelchair or other aids for mobility.
The Security symbol refers to items regarded by HCB as necessary to satisfy
security requirements.
The Supplied Item symbol refers to items that are subject to a HCB forward
purchase agreement with suppliers and which are available for purchase by HCB or
the contractor, as applicable.
The Technical Standards symbol refers to any HCB technical standard applicable
to a particular product, process or system.
The ESD symbol refers to items relating to Environmentally Sustainable Designs.
The Responsible Business Unit symbol refers to the HCB business unit
responsible for a particular action.
The House Energy Rating symbol refers to the thermal efficiency of building
fabric and materials.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
The WELS rating systems refers to the water efficiency of a product of fitting
according to the Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards Scheme.
The Energy Rating symbol refers to the energy efficiency of a product or
appliance to be provided as a fitting by HCB.
The WERS symbol refers to the energy efficiency of a window according to the
Window Energy Rating Scheme.
The Health and Safety symbol refers to items regarded by HCB, as necessary to
satisfy health and safety requirements.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
PURPOSE & SCOPE
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to set out Housing & Community Building (HCB)
requirements for the construction of community housing and to ensure its parity
with HCB rental general stock whilst providing an adequate level of amenity for
residents with specific housing needs.
SCOPE
This policy applies to community housing owned or funded by HCB in Victoria and
managed by community groups and agencies (with the exception of Aboriginal
Housing).
HSPM 02, 05 & 10
The general construction and improvement provisions for properties are contained
in the Construction Standards (Chapter 2), and Improvement Standards (Chapter 5)
chapters of this manual. For dwellings constructed or altered to accommodate
clients with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability, refer to the Modified
Housing Standards in Chapter 10 of this manual.
The policies and standards contained in this chapter relate specifically to those
amenity provisions in addition to, or in lieu of, the policies and standards required
for rental general stock as a result of the special needs of the tenants to be
accommodated. Tenants with special needs include the young homeless, women
and children seeking refuge from domestic violence and those requiring supported
accommodation due to a physical, sensory or intellectual disability, psychiatric
illness or acquired brain injury.
Note:
Where 24-hour supported accommodation is provided with staff
employed to assist residents in their daily activities, the standards set out
for Shared Supported Accommodation will apply to housing managed by
community organisations under programs funded by DHS (refer to Shared
Supported Accommodation Standards, which supersedes the previous CRU
Standards).
The Community Housing Standards are not retrospective and do not apply to
existing stock constructed or acquired prior to the approval of these Standards.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Community Housing Standards are to:

Provide housing that is suitable for the intended tenant or resident group;

Provide an equitable level of amenity across a range of tenants or resident
groups;

Detail all applicable HCB, Department of Human Services (DHS) and legal
requirements;

Provide dwellings that can be tenanted by clients with a diverse range and
level of needs; and

Provide a standards base for the cost effective use of funds.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
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DEFINITIONS
TERM
DEFINITION
ACCESSIBLE
Means able to be safely entered and exited without obstruction by people with a
disability including those who use a wheelchair.
COMMUNITY
HOUSING
Means those properties which are the responsibility of Housing Sector Development
(not Rental General Stock) and are typically refuges, transitional housing, rooming
house accommodation and longer term accommodation including supported
accommodation.
COMMUNITY
RESIDENTIAL UNIT
Means those domestic scale properties housing not more than six residents where
24-hour on site support or care staff are employed to assist residents in their daily
activities.
CONSTRUCTION
Means redevelopment or design and construction of a dwelling.
DIVIDING FENCE
Means a fence separating the lands of the HCB and other occupiers
(including HCB /HCB properties).
DWELLING
Means a place of residence used for domestic activities, but does not include any
lands associated with the dwelling.
GROUP HOUSING
Means a dwelling in which a number of unrelated persons reside.
HABITABLE ROOM
Means a room used for normal domestic activities and:
BCA 1996

Includes a bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, sewing room,
family room, but;

Excludes a bathroom, laundry, water closet, pantry, walk-in-wardrobe,
corridor, hallway, lobby, photographic darkroom, clothes drying room, and
other specialised spaces occupied neither frequently nor for extended
periods.
HABITABLE
PROPERTY
Means a property used for normal domestic activities and includes bedroom(s),
living area, an area for dining, kitchen, bathroom, toilet and laundry.
HCB REQUIREMENTS
Means those particular policy provisions or standards requirements of HCB as
described in this manual.
HOUSE & LAND
PACKAGE
Means dwellings offered to HCB as part of a house and land package.
LEGAL
REQUIREMENTS
Means all applicable statutory, regulatory, safety and code requirements.
MODIFIED HOUSING
Means housing purpose-built or upgraded to cater for people with specific housing
needs to enable them to participate to the degree that they are able in normal
domestic activities.
MULTI-STOREY
HOUSING
Means a building of more than two storeys containing two or more sole occupancy
units, including flats and apartments, each being a separate dwelling.
PROPERTY
Means the dwelling and all associated land.
PROPERTY OFFICER
Means the Property Officer employed to investigate, access and spot lease property
on the open real estate market.
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
Means public thoroughfares, parks, roads, lanes, walkways or corridors on estates,
but does not mean private front, rear and side yards belonging to a dwelling or
block.
REPUTABLE
MANUFACTURE
Means the product or item has been manufactured and established in the industry
for at least three years and known to be free from defects.
RESPONSIBLE
OFFICER
Means the officer (Housing Services Officer or others) responsible or delegated for
the task being described.
ROOMING HOUSE
Means a “Boarding House” as classified in the Building Code of Australia which is a
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
residential building that is a common place of residence for a number of unrelated
persons.
SINGLE DWELLING
Means a detached house or one or more attached dwellings, each being a building
separated by a fire-resisting wall.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Means the particular amenity provisions required by a client with a disability as
determined by an appropriate health professional, in addition to, or in lieu of, those
general amenity standards provided by HCB.
SPOT PURCHASE
Means the purchase of property on the open real estate market.
TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING
Means a dwelling that is used for short or medium term accommodation.
WATER EFFICIENT
Means an acceptable level of water efficiency as defined in SAA MP64 and in
accordance with the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme.
APPLIANCES
SAA MP64
WET AREAS
Means bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and toilets.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
ROLE/TITLE
RESPONSIBILITY
DIRECTOR OF
HOUSING

Approves Standards Policy; and

Approves major amendments to Standards Policy that change or introduce
a new policy direction or policy revision, or where significant cost
implications would result.
DIRECTOR, POLICY,
STRATEGY &
COMMUNICATIONS

Approves minor amendments to Standards Policy required for the
maintenance, clarification and/or editing of Housing Standards;

Determines which amendments are major or minor to Standards Policy;
and

Approves Exemptions to Standards Policy.
MANAGER ASSET
POLICY

Updates the Housing Standards Policy Manual
RESPONSIBLE
OFFICER

Applies the Housing Standards Policy Manual Requirements
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
REFERENCES (AS LISTED AND AS AMENDED)
REFERENCE
DOCUMENT TITLE
BA
Building Act 1993
BAR
Building (Amendment) Regulations 1996
BCA
Building Code of Australia 2008
BCC
Building Control Commission
BR
Building Regulations 2006
AG 601
Gas Installation Code
AS 1221
Fire hose reels.
AS 1288
Glass in buildings - Selection and installation.
AS 1428.1
Design for access and mobility. Part 1: General requirements for access - New building work.
AS 1428.2
Design for access and mobility. Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements - Buildings and
facilities.
AS 1670.1
Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems - System design, installation and
commissioning. Part 1: Fire.
AS 1670.6
Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems - System design, installation and
commissioning. Part 6: Smoke alarms.
AS 1841.1
Portable fire extinguishers. Part 1: General requirements.
AS 1841.5
Portable fire extinguishers. Part 5: Specific requirements for powder type extinguishers.
AS 2055.1
PVC sheet floor covering. Part 1: Unbacked, flexible.
AS 2118.1
Automatic fire sprinkler systems. Part 1: General requirements.
AS 2118.4
Automatic fire sprinkler systems. Part 4: Residential.
AS 2208
Safety glazing materials in buildings.
AS 2293.1
Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings. Part 1: System design, installation and operation.
AS 2293.3
Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings. Part 3: Emergency luminaries and exit signs.
AS 2419.1
Fire hydrant installations. Part 1: System design, installation and commissioning.
AS 2441
Installation of fire hose reels.
AS 2444
Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets - Selection and location.
AS 2681
Performance of household electrical appliances - Ventilating fans.
AS 2682
Performance of household electrical appliances - Rangehoods.
AS 2688
Timber doors.
AS 2804.1
Installation of security screen doors. Part 1: Hinged.
AS 3000
Electrical installations.
AS 3500
National plumbing and drainage
AS 3660.1
Protection of buildings from subterranean termites. Part 1: New buildings.
AS 3740
Waterproofing of wet areas within residential buildings.
AS 3786
Australian Standard. Smoke alarms.
AS 4145.2
Locksets. Part 2: Mechanical locksets for doors in buildings.
AS 4299
Adaptable housing.
AS 4607
Personal alarm systems.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
DSA
Disability Services Act 1991
FA 1968
Fencing Act 1968
FRMG
Victorian Government Capital Development Guidelines – Series 7: Fire Risk Management
HAA 1996
Housing Assistance Act 1996
H(PA) Reg.
Health (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 1990
HSPM
Housing Standards Policy Manual (this document)
PSR
Plumbing Standards Regulations 1998
Rescode
Residential Development Provisions – Victorian Department of Planning and Community
Development.
SAA MP64
Master Plumbers & Mechanical Services Association of Australia’s Manual of Assessment
Procedure for Water Efficient Appliances.
VCAT
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
VPP
Victorian Planning Provisions 1996
Note:
References listed are correct at the time of publication, and are intended to be read as variously updated from
time to time.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
POLICY
MAINTENANCE
HSPM
GENERAL
While it is recognised that some elements of community housing may differ, for
example where unrelated persons or families share a dwelling, the general
construction, improvement and purchase provisions for properties contained in
chapters 1, 2 and 5 (Purchase, Construction and Improvement Standards) of this
manual will apply wherever practicable. Provision has been made in these
standards for additional standards in recognition of the need to provide additional
security and privacy and where a particular program targets people with special
needs.
It is the responsibility of DHS staff to ensure that all dwellings comply with all
applicable legal (statutory, regulatory and code) and Departmental requirements.
LOCATION
Wherever practicable, all properties should have good access to public transport
and community services and facilities and be well located in terms of employment
opportunities. Proximity to neighbours is to be taken into account where this is
appropriate.
DESIGN AND TOWN
PLANNING
All properties shall comply with Rescode site analysis requirements and all
applicable practice notes and standards.
AMENITY AND
ACCESSIBILITY
All new dwellings including rooming houses should be designed for safety and ease
of use by residents including those with physical disabilities, either temporary or
permanent. Features such as the width of doorways, corridors and pathways and
the placement of shelving, door furniture, light switches and other fittings should
consider the needs of both ambulant people with disabilities and people in
wheelchairs to maximise the “liveability” of the dwelling.
AS 4299
AS 1428.1
Rescode
Additionally, the design of dwellings should allow for future modifications, including
full wheelchair accessibility, without the need for extensive structural work except
where the topography of the land, the type of housing, for example, some multilevel or medium density developments or the design of a spot purchased property,
precludes this.
All new dwellings constructed or purchased for transitional and group housing and
all rooming houses shall be wheelchair accessible. Where it is proposed that
existing properties be upgraded, consideration should be given to the
appropriateness of significantly upgrading a property if it is not able to be made
accessible for clients in a wheelchair.
Thus “potentially accessible” new housing will be “visitable” by people who use a
wheelchair as they will be able to enter the dwelling and access the living areas and
toilet and, if required in the future, will be suitable to be modified to accommodate
a resident in a wheelchair.
In order to facilitate future modifications, many of the requirements of AS 4299
have been incorporated into these standards.
The design and selection of finishes and fittings for transitional and group housing
and rooming houses will be formulated to minimise the perception of an institution.
DSA
All fittings and fixtures provided in rooming houses, transitional and group houses
and refuges should be durable, easy to operate and, where possible, vandal proof.
Consideration should be given to the diversity of tenants accommodated including
those with physical disabilities; straight-forward controls with clear operating
instructions are required.
MODIFIED HOUSING FOR CLIENTS WITH DISABILITIES
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
HSPM
Refer to chapter 10, Modified Housing Standards, for the additional standards
applicable for dwellings modified to accommodate specific clients with special needs
due to a physical, sensory or intellectual disability or medical condition.
Note:
ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
HCB provides amenity for normal domestic activities but not
treatment and rehabilitation.
for
All new dwellings shall be designed to achieve a six star rating as determined using
the FirstRate House Energy Rating software or Sustainable Energy Authority of
Victoria approved equivalent, with a solar water heater installed.
When designing dwellings a number of elements to consider to achieve energy
efficiency objectives include:
Rescode
DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION

Principal living areas oriented to the north,

Minimisation of west and east facing glazing,

Protection of windows from direct summer sun,

Utilisation of efficient insulation and construction systems in floors, walls
and ceilings, and

Utilisation of party wall construction.
All new and, wherever practicable, spot purchased dwellings shall be of cavity
construction, solid brick or brick veneer, with concrete slab on ground and truss
roof construction.
Limited use of other low maintenance materials for design elements may be
considered, however, construction types or materials with an inherently high level
of on-going maintenance costs should not be used in the construction of new
dwellings.
AS 2870.1
BCA
BA
PROPERTY TITLES
Consideration should be given to the use of materials that have a lower
environmental impact including embodied energy consumption, are recyclable or
reusable.
Design of community housing should meet the objectives of providing safe,
domestic-scale buildings that harmonise with the existing neighbourhood and the
residents’ need for outdoor recreation areas, privacy and security.
Dwellings constructed or purchased for community housing should be suitable for
their intended use. To facilitate the accommodation of clients with diverse
disabilities and needs in community housing, the level of amenity and accessibility
provided shall be flexible and adaptable.
It is preferred that all properties constructed by or for HCB are either individually
titled, or are able to be individually titled.
With the exception of multi-unit older persons properties:

It is required that all new properties constructed by or for HCB must be
able to be individually titled.

It is preferred that all new units constructed for the HCB on land not
owned by the HCB are individually titled.
Note:
Titles for individual (except older persons) units within multi-unit
developments on HCB owned land are to be established on a needs basis
only.
TERMITE
PROTECTION
AS 3660.1
SECURITY
Termite protection shall be provided to those properties where the Building
Surveyor advises that a reasonable risk is present when application is made for a
building permit.
Note:
Some parts of Victoria are relatively free of termites. HCB does not
provide termite protection to properties in those areas where the
Building Surveyor has determined there is little or no risk.
GENERAL
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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BCA
BR
COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
Dwelling security should be considered when planning the placement of balconies,
fences, trellises and landscaping elements.
In multi-unit developments where front entries are not visible from the street,
consideration should be given to appropriately located maps and/or signboards to
indicate dwelling locations.
LIGHTING
In multi-unit developments, vandal proof security lighting shall be provided to those
communal areas that are used by different households and the public such as car
parks, pathways, foyers, stairwells and communal facilities.
AS 4299
LOCKS
Where practicable, energy efficient light fittings, for example compact fluorescent
globes, shall be used.
Pathway lighting should be positioned at a low height to reduce glare and provide a
minimum lighting level of 50 lux at ground level.
HCB provides locks to secure all external doors and other devices to secure all
windows.
Note:
RTA 1997
FENCES
Front fencing is not provided to individual properties except where:

Properties are located on corner blocks, main roads, adjacent to railway
lines or other similar situations where a significant hazard to children
exists; or

They are required as a non-negotiable element in either a local
government planning scheme or town planning requirements as outlined in
Rescode.
Rescode
FA 1968
BUILDING
SERVICES
HCB does not provide keyed window locks as they limit use of the
windows as a secondary means of egress in the case of fire or other
emergency.
METERED SERVICES
Natural gas is the preferred primary source of heating, cooking and hot water
wherever practicable.
All services to sole occupancy units such as water, electricity and gas shall be
separately metered.
RTA 1997
WATER USING APPLIANCES
All fittings and appliances are to have a minimum WELS water efficient rating of 3
stars with a preference for 4 stars where water pressure allows.
Note:
SAA MP64
FIRE RISK
MANAGEMENT
LANDSCAPING
The WELS rating systems refers to the water efficiency of a product or
fitting according to the Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards Scheme.
All HCB fire risk management activities shall comply with the Department of Human
Services Capital Development Guidelines for Fire Risk Management and the
guidelines for specific occupancy types such as single dwellings, multi-storey
housing and boarding houses, plus any additional provisions required by regulation,
code, statute and these standards.
FRMG
GENERAL
Low maintenance landscape works are required in all areas.
Rescode
Landscape works shall be to the minimum standards to meet the requirements for
planning approval by the responsible authority and consistent with the private low
cost rental housing market.
Existing trees should be retained where practicable. As a guide, plants that are
known to be reliable and hardy shall be provided.
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
COMMUNAL OPEN SPACE
Where practicable, landscaped communal open space for shared recreational use
may be provided for rooming houses and those older persons, transitional and
group housing developments for which it is appropriate. Such communal open
space should be limited to the requirements of the responsible authority.
PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
With the exception of older persons units that are provided with a rear private open
space only, all single or individual dwellings are to be provided with front and rear
private open space where practicable.
Where practicable, multi-storey ground floor units shall be provided with private
open spaces; units on upper floor levels shall be provided with private balconies.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
TRANSITIONAL, GROUP & LONG TERM HOUSING STANDARDS
The following standards, in addition to the relevant provisions of the Construction Standards (chapter 2) for
rental general stock, will apply to the construction of transitional and group housing, including refuges.
Note:
Where dwellings are constructed to accommodate clients with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities, these
standards together with the relevant provisions of the Modified Housing Standards (chapter 10) or, where 24 hour
supported care is provided, the DHS Shared Supported Accommodation Standards will apply.
SITE SELECTION
When assessing potential sites, preference shall be given to those sites with lower
gradients for ease of construction and accessibility and amenity for occupiers
including residents who use a wheelchair.
AS 4299
EXTERNAL AREAS
AS 4299
CAR PARKING
Each accessible dwelling shall allow sufficient space to allow the subsequent
provision of a hard-surfaced, level (i.e. a maximum gradient of 1:40) car parking
space or, if required, a carport with an unobstructed minimum width of 3800mm as
close as practicable to the front entry of the dwelling, to enable a person with a
wheelchair to access a vehicle.
Note:
Additional off-street parking may be required where there is limited onstreet parking and a number of service providers regularly visit the
premises.
CARPORTS
Carports are only provided in the following situations:

Where required as a non-negotiable element of an approved planning
scheme;

Where specifically required by a formal decision of the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) as a result of contesting local town
planning permit conditions;

Where specifically allowed by HCB standards for residents with a disability;
or

Where a carport is requested by a joint venture partner and agreed to by
the Director, Policy, Strategy & Communications.
Note:
The joint venture partner is required to pay all associated fees,
charges and construction and maintenance costs, and be responsible for
the management and allocation of the carports. In addition, the carport(s)
must not obstruct views or utility of emergency services access to
any other part of a development.
VCAT
HSPM 10
Carports, where required, shall comply with the requirements of
the responsible local authority.
Note:
HCB does not provide garages.
REAR YARD
AMENITIES
STORAGE
INTERNAL AND
UTILITY AREAS
Living area, meals area/family room, corridors, kitchen, bedrooms and storage
A lockable 6m2 steel storage shed with a concrete slab base may be provided to
group or shared dwellings where required.
The living area, meals area/family room, corridors, bedrooms and storage facilities
shall comply with the relevant provisions outlined in the Construction Standards
(Chapter 02) for rental general stock and, for accessible dwellings, the appropriate
additional provisions outlined in the Modified Housing Standards (Chapter 10) of
this manual.
Note:
AS 1428.2
Care should be taken to ensure that shelving, rods and hooks in storage
units throughout the dwelling are at an accessible height and depth in
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
accordance with AS 1428.2, and that the floors of wardrobes and other
cupboards are continuous with the adjoining floor and the openings have a
clear accessible width of 760mm to provide ease of use by residents in a
wheelchair.
HSPM, Ch. 2 & 10
BATHROOM, LAUNDRY AND TOILET
The type of bathroom, laundry and toilet facilities provided will reflect the estimated
number and, where appropriate, the special needs of the occupants.
AS 4299
One bedroom dwellings shall be provided with a combined bathroom, laundry and
toilet. Two and three bedroom family dwellings shall have a separate bathroom,
toilet and laundry.
Family dwellings with four or more bedrooms shall have an additional separate
toilet located, wherever practicable, adjacent to the laundry.
Where there are more than four unrelated persons residing in a dwelling, an
additional separate toilet may be provided; where there are six or more unrelated
persons residing in a dwelling, an additional bathroom and toilet may be provided.
HSPM Ch. 2 & 10
In accessible dwellings where residents in a wheelchair will be accommodated, a
toilet may be located within the accessible bathroom. The total area of the
accessible bathroom and toilet, when combined, shall be a minimum of 6.5m 2 with
a configuration to allow sufficient circulation space for residents in a wheelchair in
accordance with AS 4299; in one bedroom dwellings with a combined bathroom,
laundry and toilet the total area shall be a minimum of 7.4m2.
The facilities contained within the bathrooms and toilets should accord with those
facilities outlined for family dwellings in the Construction Standards (Chapter 02) or
the appropriate additional provisions outlined in the Modified Housing Standards
(chapter 10) of this manual.
DOORS
SECURITY DOORS
Where required to ensure the personal security of residents in refuges, additional
security doors may be provided to all entry doors of refuges.
AS 2804
AS 4145.2
Ensure that the entry door and the corresponding security door are hinged on the
same side.
All entry door and security doors are required to be fitted with good quality locks
which are key operated externally and readily openable without a key from the
inside and should be keyed alike.
RTA 1997
WINDOW LATCHES
LOCKS
Windows shall be secured by appropriate catches. Whilst meeting the BCA
requirements for the provision of ventilation and allowing for residents to clean
windows from the inside, window openings in dwellings greater than two storeys in
height shall be permanently restricted to a maximum opening of 125mm.
RTA 1997
BCA
Note:
HCB does not provide keyed window locks as they limit use of the
windows as a secondary means of egress in the case of fire or other emergency.
Note:
Mandatory Safety
Standards (CAV)
Properties provided with curtain and blind cords shall have safety devices
installed to secure loose cords to prevent the risk of strangulation.
Sash-fastening devices such as pin catches may be provided to openable windows
that form part of a boundary directly adjoining public open space or, in the case of
refuges, to all openable windows. Such devices are to be capable of securing the
window in the closed position and shall be able to restrict the opening of the
window to 125mm.
Note:
Security screens such as roller shutter screens or bars shall not be fitted to
windows.
INTERNAL DOOR LOCKS
Privacy latches with a vacancy indicator may be fitted to bathroom and toilet doors
where required.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
In the case of shared Community Housing properties, to allow for ease of access in
the case of emergency, the bathroom and toilet doors shall either open outwards
or, if opening inwards, be provided with externally removable hinges.
FRMG
Where there are unrelated persons residing in a dwelling, individual bedroom doors
may be fitted with locks. Such locks shall be good quality key operated locks with
an internal snib readily openable without a key (at all times) from the side that
faces a person exiting the dwelling.
MASTER KEY SYSTEMS
A master key system may be provided for transitional and group housing dwellings.
FIRE RISK
MANAGEMENT
Fire risk management compliance shall be in accordance with the requirements of
the current edition of the Department of Human Services Capital Development
Guidelines - Fire Risk Management Policy and Procedures, Fire Risk Management
Engineering Guidelines and the guidelines for specific occupancy types, plus any
additional provisions required by regulation, code, statute and these Standards.
FRMG
SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke alarms are required to each storey of all dwellings including sleepouts and
movable units.
BCA
Where unrelated persons will be residing in dwelling, smoke alarms shall be
installed in each bedroom, hallway and living area.
All smoke alarms shall be connected to a mains powered lighting circuit and shall be
interconnected where more than one smoke alarm is provided in a dwelling.
AS 3786
Smoke alarms shall be of the sealed type, mains powered with a rechargeable
battery, test button and with a minimum 5-year guarantee.
Smoke alarms shall comply with the performance requirements for the appropriate
product standard specification.
VISUAL WARNING DEVICES
AS 4607
AS
1428.2
Dwellings that are to be occupied by tenants with a serious hearing impairment
may be provided with a visual alarm system to augment the smoke alarm(s), fitted
to comply with AS4607.
MULTI-STOREY DWELLINGS
A minimum of one smoke alarm is to be provided to each storey of dwellings with
two or more storeys.
BCA
FENCING
The occupant warning system for multi-storey dwellings shall be tailored specifically
to each building and its emergency evacuation strategy.
FRMG
FRONT FENCING
Where front fencing is required, application by exemption to standards policy is to
be submitted.
Rescode
Where provided, front fencing shall harmonise with the neighbourhood character.
Preference should be given for the use of durable, non maintenance intensive
products.
Note:
LANDSCAPING
Fencing in nominated termite prone areas shall be termite resistant.
SECURITY
Where the security of tenants is of primary importance, as is the case in refuges,
landscaping will take into consideration the need to prevent screening of intruders.
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
ROOMING HOUSE STANDARDS
The following standards, in addition to the relevant provisions of the Construction Standards (Chapter 2) for
rental general stock, will apply to the construction of all rooming houses.
Note:
Where rooming houses are constructed to accommodate clients with physical, sensory or intellectual
disabilities, these standards together with the relevant provisions of the Modified Housing Standards
(Chapter 10) will apply.
SITE SELECTION
When assessing potential sites, preference shall be given to those more level sites
with lower gradients for ease of construction and accessibility and amenity for
occupiers, including residents who use a wheelchair.
EXTERNAL AREAS
PROPERTY NUMBERING
Property numbering that is clearly visible from the street is required for all rooming
houses and is to be affixed to the mailbox, to the front security door, or (where
doors are set back from view) to the front of the rooming house.
Similarly, all residential rooms are to be clearly numbered.
MAILBOXES
Provide one front-opening mailbox per resident located on a hard standing area
connected to an accessible pathway at an accessible height between 800 and 1100
mm above ground level. The mailbox should also be located within a private area
where practicable and in accordance with the requirements of the local post office.
AS 4299
All mailboxes should be able to be secured against theft of mail with a padlock.
Note:
HCB does not supply keys and locks.
CAR PARKING
Rescode
A maximum of two off-street car parking spaces per property may be provided;
additional spaces shall only be provided if required by the responsible local
authority. Car park layout and design should comply with applicable Rescode
Practice Notes for Car Parking.
Each accessible rooming house shall allow sufficient space to provide, if required, a
hard-surfaced, level (i.e. a maximum gradient of 1:40) car parking space with an
unobstructed minimum width of 3.8 m as close as practicable to the front entry of
the dwelling, to allow a person with a wheelchair to access a vehicle.
AS 4299
AS 1428.1
Car parking shall be designed to ensure a continuous path of travel from the vehicle
parking area to the front entry of the rooming house in accordance with AS 1428.1.
CARPORTS
Carports are only provided in the following situations:
VCAT
HSPM 07 & 10

Where required as a non-negotiable element of an approved planning
scheme;

Where specifically required by a formal decision of the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) as a result of contesting local town
planning permit conditions;

Where specifically allowed by HCB standards for a resident(s) with a
disability; or

Where a carport is requested by a joint venture partner and agreed to by
the Director, Policy, Strategy & Communications.
Note:
The joint venture partner is required to pay all associated fees,
charges and construction and maintenance costs, and be responsible for
the management and allocation of the carports. In addition, the carport(s)
must not obstruct views or utility or emergency services access to any
other part of a development.
Carports, where required, shall comply with the requirements of the responsible
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
local authority.
Note:
HCB does not provide garages.
PAVING
AS 4299
AS 1428.1
AS 1428.2
Ensure that there is a continuous accessible path of travel from the street to the
front entry of all accessible rooming houses.
Provide continuous, slip-resistant, hard-surfaced pathways with an unobstructed
width of 1000 mm from:

The front boundary/gate to the front door;

The rear/laundry door to the clothesline(s);

The rear/side door to an external paved area; and

The rear/side door to the storage shed.
All paving and finishes on ramps, pathways and landings of all accessible rooming
houses shall have a slip-resistant surface with a texture easily traversable by a
wheelchair and gradients in accordance with AS 1428.1.
STEPS AND STAIRS
The configuration of steps to all properties shall comply with AS 1428.2.
BALUSTRADES
BCA
A balustrade shall be provided to any stairway, ramp, balcony, verandah or similar
situation which is more than 600mm above the adjacent floor or ground level in
accordance with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia.
Note:
Any horizontal elements of the balustrade between 150mm and
760mm above the floor must not facilitate climbing.
MAIN ENTRIES
A roofed sheltered area immediately outside the front entrance is required to all
rooming houses.
AS 4299
AS 1428.1
A level, slip-resistant, hard-surfaced landing area, a minimum of 1550mm x
1550mm, shall be provided at each entrance of the rooming house.
The main front and rear entrances of all accessible rooming houses shall be
wheelchair accessible and, where required, ramped.
Ramps shall have an
unobstructed minimum width of 1000mm and a maximum gradient of 1:14
constructed in accordance with AS 1428.1.
External landings of accessible rooming houses shall be level (maximum gradient of
1:40) with a low threshold to exclude water and allow for the smooth transition of a
wheelchair in compliance with AS 4299. Each accessible entry shall have provision
for external recessed doormats which, when in place, lie flush with adjacent
surfaces.
REAR YARD
AMENITIES
GARDEN SHED
A lockable 6m2 steel storage shed with a concrete base may be provided.
COMMUNAL OPEN SPACE
AS 1428.2
The rear yard shall include communal open space for shared recreational use and
include a paved area with facilities such as a barbecue, table and seating which can
accommodate all residents. The paved area shall be stepless with an even, slipresistant surface with a texture which is easily traversable by a wheelchair.
Where practicable, an alternative outdoor space, clearly defined by design
elements, may be provided to enable residents to enjoy the outdoor environment
either alone or in a small group.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
CLOTHESLINES
An external paved clothes drying area shall be provided with either a rotary clothes
hoist or paraline type, with a minimum of 2500mm of washing line to every 8
rooms. Consideration should be given to the siting of clotheslines to maximise
direct sunlight and to screening the clothes drying area from bedroom windows.
In accessible rooming houses provide an external washing line installed at an
operating height of between 1100mm and 1600mm above ground level.
All clotheslines shall be able to be accessed from the laundry without the need to
pass over carpeted areas.
GARDEN TAPS
A garden tap shall be provided to the rear and, where appropriate, to the front of
all rooming houses with private open space, or as required by town planning
requirements.
RUBBISH DISPOSAL
All rooming houses should have ready access to a regular, effective and efficient
means of rubbish disposal.
A hard-surfaced, communal, rubbish bin enclosure shall be provided in an
accessible location adjacent to pick-up points (preferably at rear). The area should
provide adequate bottle and paper storage.
INTERNAL AREAS
GENERAL
Rooming houses may comprise either private bedroom accommodation with
communal or shared bathing, cooking and living facilities, self-contained living units
(with kitchenettes and/or en-suites) or a combination of these models. However,
the physical constraints of the site or, more particularly, the structural constraints of
an existing building as well as the specific requirements of the resident or provider
group are likely to effect the final configuration of a rooming house.
The degree of self-containment shall also depend on the client group and the level
of supported care required, if any.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
The ground floor to all rooming houses shall be wheelchair accessible except where
the topography of the site or where the design or structural constraints of an
existing building precludes this.
AS 4299
AS 1428.1
Sufficient circulation space to manoeuvre a wheelchair shall be provided in the
ground floor living area, meals area, and utility areas (communal bathroom, toilet,
kitchen and laundry if provided) of all accessible rooming houses.
Corridors shall a minimum of 1000mm wide. Door approaches to the living, meals
and communal utility areas and all accessible bedrooms shall comply with AS
1428.1.
LIVING AREA
A communal living area may be provided; its size, based on the number of
residents, and location shall be determined through negotiation between the
managing group and HCB.
MEALS AREA
The communal meals area/s, where provided, shall have sufficient space for chairs
and tables to accommodate two-thirds of the tenants at any one sitting, or in the
case of larger rooming houses (over 30 rooms), one-third at any one sitting.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
It is preferred that the meals area is separate from the kitchen.
BEDROOMS
GENERAL
Bedrooms and bedsitter rooms shall be accessed directly from a passageway and
not from a communal living area, another bedroom, kitchen or other utility area.
Note:
Built-in wardrobes are to be included in the calculation of the minimum
bedroom and bedsitter room sizes.
The minimum sizes required for bedrooms and bedsitter rooms are intended to
permit the efficient use of an existing building envelope. However, it is preferred
that, in both new buildings or where possible in existing buildings, the areas of
bedrooms and bedsitter rooms not limited by the structural constraints of an
existing building are at least 2m2 and 4m2 greater respectively than the minimum
sizes given below.
SINGLE BEDROOMS
Single bedrooms in rooming houses with communal facilities, shall be no less than
12m2 with a minimum width of 2700mm and able to be furnished with one single
bed (2000mm long x 900mm wide), one bedside table and one chair plus either one
dressing table or one writing desk.
A full height built-in wardrobe (minimum 900mm wide x 600mm deep) with
hanging rod and shelves together with a towel rail and clothes hook on the back of
the bedroom door shall be provided in each single bedroom.
DOUBLE BEDROOMS
Double bedrooms shall be no less that 14m2 with a minimum width of 3200mm and
able to be furnished with two single beds (2000mm long x 900mm wide) or one
double bed, two bedside tables and two chairs plus one dressing table or one
writing desk.
A full height built-in wardrobe (minimum 1800mm wide x 600mm deep) with
hanging rod, shelves and four-drawer insert together with a towel rail and two
clothes hooks on the back of the bedroom door shall be provided in each double
bedroom.
ACCESSIBLE BEDROOMS
Additional circulation space of 2m2 may be provided in the all accessible bedrooms
to accommodate residents who use a wheelchair. Accordingly, single accessible
bedrooms shall be no less than 14m2 with a minimum width of 3200mm in order to
provide sufficient circulation space for a wheelchair; double accessible bedrooms
shall be no less than 16m2 with a minimum width of 3500mm.
Where two residents, both of whom use a wheelchair, share a double bedroom,
additional circulation space of 4m2 may be provided. In such cases the bedroom
shall approximate but be no less than 18m2 with a minimum width of 4000mm.
Additional storage space for spare wheelchairs and/or other aid equipment may be
provided. This space may be in the form of a larger built-in wardrobe in the
bedroom or the equivalent additional space in another area of the dwelling and/or
an external wheelchair storage facility.
BEDSITTER ROOMS
Note:
En-suite bathrooms and kitchen areas are not to be included in
the calculation of the minimum bedsitter room sizes.
Single self-contained units (bedsitter rooms)
Single bedsitter rooms shall be no less than 14m2 with a minimum width of
2700mm and shall be provided with an en-suite bathroom and kitchen area.
A full height built-in wardrobe (minimum 900mm wide x 600mm deep) with
hanging rod and shelves shall be provided in each single bedsitter room.
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
ACCESSIBLE SELF-CONTAINED UNITS (BEDSITTER ROOMS)
Additional circulation space of 2m2 may be provided in accessible bedsitter rooms to
accommodate residents who use a wheelchair. Accordingly, the bedroom area of
single accessible bedsitter rooms shall be no less than 16m2 with a minimum width
of 3200mm in order to provide sufficient circulation space for a wheelchair; the
bedroom area of double accessible bedsitter rooms no less than 18m 2 with a
minimum width of 3500mm.
Where two residents, both of whom use a wheelchair, share a double bedsitter
room, additional circulation space of 4m2 each may be provided. In such cases the
bedroom area shall approximate but be no less than 20m2 with a minimum width of
4000mm.
Additional storage space for spare wheelchairs and/or other aid equipment may be
provided. This space may be in the form of a larger built-in wardrobe in the
bedroom or the equivalent additional space in another area of the dwelling and/or
an external wheelchair storage facility.
EN-SUITE BATHROOMS
SAA MP64
AS 4299
AS 3740
Each bedsitter room shall have an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower recess
(i.e. with shower base with lip installed at floor level) and either a shower screen or
an aluminium shower rail to enable a curtain to fully enclose the shower
compartment. It is envisaged that the minimum area of an en-suite bathroom
would 2.5m2.
Note:
HCB does not provide shower curtains.
Each en-suite bathroom shall contain the following fittings:

As a minimum, a 3 star rated water saving shower head for all mains
pressure hot water systems, with a preference for a 4 star rated shower
head should water pressure allow;

Shower taps and controls accessible from outside the shower area with the
water stream directed away from the shower entrance;

One towel rail, a minimum of 300mm long in single bedsitter rooms and a
minimum of 600mm long in double bedsitter rooms;

A vanity unit a minimum of 500mm wide x 400mm deep with a vanity
basin with a minimum depth of 200mm;

A mirror fronted cabinet mounted above the vanity unit; and

In bathrooms located above the ground floor, a floor waste with the floor
graded 1:100 towards the waste.
The shower area (and surrounding area where required) shall be waterproofed in
accordance with AS 3740. Where provided, ceramic tiling shall extend to a height
of 1800mm above finished floor level.
Wherever practicable, sanitary plumbing shall be concealed.
TOILET FACILITIES
BCA
Toilet facilities located within the en-suite bathroom shall include the following:

WC pan and hand operated dual flush cistern fitted with a lever action or
enlarged push button flushing control located between 800mm and
1100mm above finished floor level. The WC pan shall be connected to a
public sewerage system or a septic tank system approved by the relevant
authority; and

A toilet paper dispenser located adjacent to the WC pan.
SAA MP64
ACCESSIBLE EN-SUITE BATHROOMS
All en-suite bathrooms in accessible bedsitter rooms, in addition to the relevant
provisions for en-suite bathrooms outlined above, shall provide:
AS 4299

Access and sufficient circulation space for residents in a wheelchair;
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
SAA MP64

A shower area of 1100mm x 1160mm without steps or kerbs, its base
graded into a waste with a slope of not less than 1:60 and no greater than
1:40;

The remainder of the bathroom area shall be graded with a fall to the
shower waste (or an alternate floor waste) at a minimum gradient of
1:100;

A water saving (to suit water pressure) shower handset with flexible heavy
duty hose and bracket together with a shower seat and grabrail located
within the shower area, installed in accordance with AS1428.1;

A recessed soap holder located between 900mm and 1100mm above
finished floor level in the shower area; and

An aluminium shower rail to enable a curtain to fully enclose the shower
compartment.
AS 1428.1
Note:
HCB does not provide shower curtains.
Provide a vanity unit with a minimum width of 500mm, mounted 750mm above
finished floor level with a semi-recessed hand basin. Allowance for knee space
under the basin to enable access for residents in a wheelchair shall be made. It is
recommended that the knee clearances comply with AS 4299.
Wherever practicable, sanitary plumbing shall be concealed.
Towel rails shall be of a similar strength to grabrails unless their appearance is quite
distinct to that of the grabrail(s).
TOILET FACILITIES
BCA
Toilet facilities located within the accessible en-suite bathroom shall include the
following:

WC pan and hand operated dual flush cistern fitted with a lever action or
enlarged push button flushing control located between 800mm and
1100mm above finished floor level. The WC pan shall be connected to a
public sewerage system or a septic tank system approved by the relevant
authority;

Mount the WC pan so that the seat is 460mm to 480mm above finished
floor level, with a ceramic pedestal securely fixed to the floor with
sufficient space at the side or, alternatively, angled at 45o to the side
walls, to enable transfer of a resident from a wheelchair. The seat shall be
a full round type and be of a high impact resistant material;

Locate the toilet pan to allow for the use of a commode chair;

A grabrail fixed to the building structure and located adjacent to the toilet
pan in accordance with AS 1428.1; and

Locate the toilet paper dispenser adjacent to the toilet pan in accordance
with AS 1428.1.
SAA MP64
AS 1428.1
KITCHEN FACILITIES
Where communal or serviced cooking facilities are not provided, bedsitter rooms
may also contain a kitchenette. Additional space a minimum of 2m2 may be
provided in bedsitter rooms to accommodate the kitchenette facilities comprising:

A 2-burner or 4-burner cooktop, griller and oven, preferably gas where
reticulated natural gas is available, the cooktop located at least 450mm
from any doorway or, alternatively, an elevated stove, located as above
with sufficient clearance provided to facilitate cleaning and securely
attached at the rear to prevent tilting, may be provided;

The controls shall be located at the front of the stove and either at the
side or front of the cooktop and shall have raised cross bars for ease of
grip;

An exhaust fan or, preferably, a rangehood, ducted and vented externally
wherever practicable, shall be located over the cooktop and installed in
accordance with AS 2681 or AS 2682;
AG 601
BCA
AS 4299
AS 2681
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS

A work bench a minimum of 600mm deep x 600mm wide shall be located
adjacent to the cooktop, the surface of which shall be suitable for the
preparation of food;

A single bowl stainless steel sink with single drainer. The depth of the sink
bowl shall be a maximum of 150mm;

All sinks, cooktops and work benches shall have a 300mm high impervious
splash back (preferably ceramic tiling);

Elevated stoves, where provided, are required to have an impervious
splash back (preferably ceramic tiling) to 600mm above bench level.
Where a rangehood is placed over the cooktop, ceramic tiling is to be
provided above the cooktop to the underside of the rangehood;

Kitchen cupboards and drawer unit with a minimum storage space of
0.5m3; and
Allow a space 600mm wide or as required for a refrigerator. Refrigerators, where
provided by HCB, shall be securely attached to the floor to prevent theft.
Note:
Recirculating rangehoods should not be used, except where the
installation of a flued rangehood is impractical.
Exhaust fans are required to be vented as follows:

In dwellings with tiled roofs, fans may be ventilated into the ceiling space.

In dwellings with metal deck roofs, fans shall be ducted and flued through
the ceiling and discharged externally via a cowl.
ACCESSIBLE KITCHENETTES
In addition to the provisions for kitchenettes outlined above, the following
provisions shall apply to kitchenettes located in accessible bedsitter rooms:
AS 4299
AS 1428.2

Allow sufficient circulation space for residents in a wheelchair to approach
all appliances and cupboards in accordance with AS 4299.

Work benches shall be post-formed with allowance for knee space suitable
for use by residents in a wheelchair in accordance with AS 1428.2.

Locate shelving and cupboards at a height and depth to allow access by
residents in a wheelchair in accordance with AS 1428.2. It is preferred
that overhead cupboards are kept to a minimum.

Mount the cooktop, sink and work benches at a height of 750mm to
850mm above finished floor level, or as required by the client, with
allowance for knee space suitable for use by residents in a wheelchair in
accordance with AS 1428.2. The maximum depth of the sink should be
150mm.

The refrigerator space shall be adjacent to a work bench.
Note:
The GPO for the refrigerator should be located within easy reach of a
client in a wheelchair when the refrigerator is in its operating position.
STORAGE
A secure, lockable storage space with a solid core door, a minimum of 0.4m3 per
resident, with shelving for suitcases and linen shall be provided on each floor of
rooming houses.
SKYLIGHTS
Skylights should not be used to provide the only source of natural light to habitable
rooms, except kitchens where unavoidable. Where provided, skylights shall be
installed with a translucent diffuser panel at ceiling level unless the skylight itself is
double glazed.
Skylights are not preferred in bedrooms or living areas.
ROOF SPACE ACCESS
Internal roof space access panels shall be hinged (with non-removable pins) and
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fitted with a pad bolts.
UTILITY AREAS
COMMUNAL BATHROOMS
Provide at least one bathroom to every six residents (or part thereof) without ensuite facilities with a minimum of one bathroom to each floor of a rooming house
containing bedrooms.
H(PA) Reg.
Note:
Bathrooms shall not open directly onto living areas.
In bathrooms located above the ground floor, provide a floor waste with the floor
graded 1:100 towards the waste.
Wherever practicable, sanitary plumbing shall be concealed.
A privacy latch with occupancy indicator shall be installed to each communal
bathroom door.
Each bathroom shall contain the following fittings:
SAA MP64

A walk-in shower recess (i.e. with shower base with lip installed at floor
level) with acrylic or stainless steel base and durable shower screen with
hinged doors;

As a minimum, a 3 star rated water saving shower head for all mains
pressure hot water systems, with a preference for a 4 star rated shower
head should water pressure allow;

Shower taps and controls accessible from outside the shower area with the
water stream directed away from the shower entrance;

A recessed soap holder located between 900mm and 1100mm above
finished floor level in the shower area;

A separate bath;

A hand basin with an impervious splash back (preferably ceramic tiling)
300mm above the basin;

A mirror (located above the hand basin);

A shelf (not located above the hand basin); and

Three coat hooks and one towel rail a minimum of 600mm long.
AS 4299
AS 3740
Note:
The shower area (and surrounding area where required) shall be
waterproofed in accordance with AS 3740. Where provided, ceramic tiling
shall extend to a height of 1800mm above finished floor level.
Stainless steel grabrails fixed to the building structure shall be provided in the
bathroom within the shower area and adjacent to the bath to assist residents in
accordance with AS 1428.1 and AS 1428.2.
AS 1428.1
AS 1428.2
Note:
A grabrail is a rail used to provide a steadying or stabilizing assistance to a
person engaged in a particular function.
Towel rails shall be of a similar strength to grabrails unless their appearance is quite
distinct to that of the grabrail(s).
ACCESSIBLE COMMUNAL BATHROOMS
AS 1428.1
AS 4299
SAA MP64
Provide at least one accessible communal bathroom to every six residents (or part
thereof) occupying accessible bedrooms without en-suite facilities. Each accessible
communal bathroom shall have sufficient circulation space for a resident in
wheelchair and comply with AS 1428.1.
If not provided separately, an accessible toilet may be located within an accessible
bathroom. In such cases, one combined accessible bathroom and toilet shall be
provided for every three residents (or part thereof) occupying accessible bedrooms
without en-suite facilities.
Accessible communal bathrooms may be included as part of the bathroom to
resident ratio for the rooming house.
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Note:
Bathrooms shall not open directly onto living areas.
In bathrooms located above the ground floor, provide a floor waste with the floor
graded 1:100 towards the waste.
Wherever practicable, sanitary plumbing shall be concealed and hot water pipes
under basins and troughs insulated to prevent burns to residents in a wheelchair.
A privacy latch with occupancy indicator shall be installed to each communal
bathroom door.
Each accessible communal bathroom shall contain the following fittings:

A shower with an area of 1100 mm x 1160 mm without steps or kerbs, its
base graded into a waste with a slope of not less than 1:60 and no greater
1:40. The remainder of the bathroom area shall be graded with a fall to
the shower waste (or an alternate floor waste) at a minimum gradient of
1:100.

As a minimum, a 3 star rated water saving shower head for all mains
pressure hot water systems, with a preference for a 4 star rated shower
head should water pressure allow, with flexible heavy duty hose and
bracket together with a shower seat located within the shower area,
installed in accordance with AS 1428.1.

Shower taps and controls accessible from outside the shower area with the
water stream directed away from the shower entrance.

A fully recessed soap holder located between 900mm and 1100mm above
finished floor level in the shower area.

An aluminium shower rail to enable a curtain to full enclose the shower
compartment.
Note:

A separate bath mounted with its rim at least 460mm, but no more than
580mm, above finished floor level. Taps and outlets shall be located at
the end of the bath and a separate outlet and hose with spray head may
be provided.

A hand basin with an impervious splash back (preferably ceramic tiling)
300mm above the basin and mounted 750mm above finished floor level.
Allowance for knee space under the basin to enable access for residents in
a wheelchair shall be made. It is recommended that the knee clearances
comply with AS 4299.

A mirror (located above the hand basin) and a shelf (not located above the
hand basin) at a height and depth to allow access by residents with a
wheelchair in accordance with AS 1428.2.

A slip-resistant fold-down seat securely mounted and located outside the
shower compartment.

Three coat hooks mounted at a height between 800mm and 1100mm
above finished floor level and one towel rail a minimum of 600mm long.

The shower area (and surrounding area where required) shall be
waterproofed in accordance with AS 3740. Where provided, ceramic tiling
shall extend to a height of 1800mm above finished floor level.

Stainless steel grabrails fixed to the building structure shall be provided in
the bathroom within the shower area and adjacent to the bath to assist
residents in accordance with AS 1428.1 and AS 1428.2.
Note:
A grabrail is a rail used to provide a steadying or stabilizing assistance to a
person engaged in a particular function.

Towel rails shall be of a similar strength to grabrails unless their
appearance is quite distinct to that of the grabrail(s).
AS 4299
AS 1428.1
AS 1428.2
AS 3740
HCB does not provide shower curtains.
COMMUNAL TOILETS
H(PA) Reg.
BCA
Provide at least one toilet to every six residents (or part thereof) without en-suite
facilities with a minimum of one toilet to each floor of the rooming house.
Toilets shall be located separately to the bathroom.
Note:
Toilets shall not open directly onto living areas.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
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A privacy latch with occupancy indicator shall be installed to each communal toilet
door.
SAA MP64
All toilets shall contain a WC pan and hand operated dual flush cistern fitted with a
lever action or enlarged push button flushing control located between 800mm and
1100mm above finished floor level. The WC pan shall
Toilets shall be connected to a public sewerage system or septic tank system
approved by the relevant authority.
A toilet paper dispenser shall be located adjacent to the WC pan.
Provide a grabrail fixed to the building structure and located adjacent to the WC
pan in accordance with AS 1428.1.
AS 1428.1
Note:
Urinals shall not be installed.
A hand basin with an impervious splash back (preferably ceramic tiling) 300mm
above the basin shall be provided in each toilet.
To allow for ease of access in case of emergency, the toilet door shall either open
outwards or, if opening inwards, be provided with externally removable hinges.
ACCESSIBLE COMMUNAL TOILETS
AS 1428.1
SAA MP64
BCA
All accessible rooming houses shall provide an accessible communal toilet on the
ground floor with sufficient circulation space for residents in a wheelchair and which
complies with AS 1428.1.
If not provided separately, an accessible toilet may be located within an accessible
communal bathroom. In such cases, one accessible combined bathroom and toilet
shall be provided for every three residents (or part thereof) occupying accessible
bedrooms without en-suite facilities.
Accessible communal toilets may be included as part of the toilet to resident ratio
for the rooming house.
Note:
Toilets shall not open directly onto living areas.
A privacy latch with occupancy indicator shall be installed to each communal toilet
door.
All accessible communal toilets shall contain a WC pan and hand operated dual
flush cistern fitted with a lever action or enlarged push button flushing control
located between 800mm and 1100mm above finished floor level. The WC pan shall
be connected to a public sewerage system or septic tank system approved by the
relevant authority.
Mount the WC pan so that the seat is 460mm to 480mm above finished floor level,
with a ceramic pedestal securely fixed to the floor with sufficient space at the side
or, alternatively, angled at 45o to the side walls, to enable transfer of a resident
from a wheelchair. The seat shall be a full round type and be of a high impact
resistant material.
Locate the toilet pan to allow for the use of a commode chair.
Locate the toilet paper dispenser adjacent to the toilet pan in accordance with AS
1428.1.
Provide a grabrail fixed to the building structure and located adjacent to the WC
pan in accordance with AS 1428.1.
Note:
Urinals shall not be installed.
Provide a hand basin with an impervious splash back (preferably ceramic tiling)
300mm above the basin and mounted 750mm above finished floor level. Allowance
for knee space under the basin to enable access for residents in a wheelchair shall
be made. It is recommended that the knee clearances comply with AS 4299.
To allow for ease of access in case of emergency, the toilet door shall either open
outwards or, if opening inwards, be provided with externally removable hinges.
CLEANERS' STORE
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In rooming houses with less than 25 rooms, a lockable cupboard for storing
cleaning utensils, a minimum of 700mm wide, 600mm deep and 2000mm high,
shall be provided.
In rooming houses with 25 rooms or more, a separate lockable cleaners' store
complete with stainless steel cleaners' sink, floor waste and shelves shall be
provided.
COMMERCIAL KITCHENS
Where meals are provided for residents, a fully fitted commercial kitchen shall be
provided on the ground floor.
COMMUNAL KITCHENS
Where a commercial kitchen or individual facilities (kitchenettes) are not provided
to all rooms, a communal kitchen shall be provided and located on the ground floor.
AG 601
Provide either one 4-burner cooktop to every five residents together with a griller
and oven to every ten residents (or part thereof) or at least one upright 4-burner
stove complete with a griller and oven to every five residents (or part thereof)
without individual kitchenette facilities.
Kitchen cupboards adequate for the number of tenants shall be provided for
communal use together with work benches, a minimum of 600mm deep, the
surface of which shall be suitable for the preparation of food. A work bench a
minimum of 800mm in length shall be located adjacent to the stoves and
refrigerator(s).
Individual vented food cupboards a minimum of 900mm high x 500mm deep x
500mm wide with adjustable shelving shall be provided. Each cupboard shall be
numbered and shall be provided with a lock or metal lugs for a padlock.
One 1½ or 1¾ centre bowl stainless steel sink with double drainer shall be
provided to every ten residents (or part thereof) in each communal kitchen.
All sinks, cooktops and work benches shall have a 300mm high impervious splash
back (preferably ceramic tiling). Where a rangehood is placed over the cooktop,
ceramic tiling shall be provided above the cooktop to the underside of the
rangehood.
A minimum 1800mm high x 900mm wide x 650mm deep space is required for each
communal refrigerator. The refrigerator space shall be adjacent to a work bench.
ACCESSIBLE COMMUNAL KITCHENS
AS 4299
AS 1428.2
In accessible rooming houses where individual facilities (kitchenettes) are not
provided to all rooms provide an accessible communal kitchen located on the
ground floor. The kitchen area shall have a minimum width of 2700mm to allow
sufficient circulation space for residents in a wheelchair to approach all appliances
and cupboards in accordance with AS 4299.
Note:
A 2700mm width will provide 1550mm clearance between cupboards to
both walls.
Provide either one 4-burner cooktop to every five accessible bedrooms together
with a griller and oven to every ten accessible bedrooms (or part thereof) or at
least one elevated stove to every five accessible bedrooms (or part thereof) without
bedsitter kitchenette facilities. Cooktops, grillers, ovens and elevated stoves shall
be located to allow sufficient circulation space to enable residents in a wheelchair to
access appliances in accordance with AS 1428.2.
Locate shelving and cupboards sufficient for the number of accessible bedrooms at
a height and depth to allow access by residents in a wheelchair in accordance with
AS 1428.2.
Provide a post-formed work bench, a minimum of 800mm in length and 750mm to
850mm above finished floor level, with a work surface suitable for the preparation
of food and allowance for knee space suitable for use by residents in a wheelchair
in accordance with AS 1428.2.
Provide a kitchen sink at a height of 750mm to 850mm above finished floor level
with allowance for knee space suitable for use by residents in a wheelchair in
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accordance with AS 1428.2. The maximum depth of the sink should be 150mm.
A work bench adjacent to and horizontally aligned with the cooktop(s) a minimum
of 800mm in length and 750mm to 850mm above finished floor level, with
allowance for knee space suitable for use by residents in a wheelchair shall be
provided.
All sinks, cooktops and work benches shall have a 300mm high impervious splash
back (preferably ceramic tiling). Where a rangehood is placed over the cooktop,
ceramic tiling shall be provided above the cooktop to the underside of the
rangehood.
A minimum 1800mm high x 900mm wide x 650mm deep space is required for each
communal refrigerator. The refrigerator space shall be adjacent to an accessible
work bench.
Note:
The GPO for the refrigerator should be located within easy reach of
residents in a wheelchair when the refrigerator is in its operating position.
COMMUNAL KITCHENETTES
Where individual kitchenettes are not provided to all rooms, a communal
kitchenette shall be provided to each floor that does not contain a communal
kitchen.
Each communal kitchenette shall contain a single bowl stainless steel sink with
single drainer, a work bench and tea/coffee making facilities (a boiling water unit)
but shall not contain cooking facilities.
COMMUNAL LAUNDRY
Provide a communal laundry located on the ground floor with at least one washing
machine and one clothes dryer to every twelve residents (or part thereof).
Provide floor space 900mm wide x 600mm deep floor for each washing machine
adjacent to a trough together with hot and cold washing machine taps located so
that a top-loading washing machine may be installed.
Provide stainless steel laundry troughs with hot and cold water taps at a ratio of
one per washing machine, each with an overflow suds bypass and washing machine
waste outlet. A 200mm high impervious splash back (preferably ceramic tiling)
shall be provided above each trough.
Provide visible horizontal timber battens mounted 1800mm above finished floor
level and located above each washing machine to provide secure support for
clothes dryers.
A floor waste with the floor graded 1:100 towards the waste shall be provided in
each laundry.
The clothesline shall be able to be accessed from the laundry without the need to
pass over carpeted areas.
ACCESSIBLE COMMUNAL LAUNDRY
AS 1428.2
AS 4299
In accessible rooming houses provide an accessible communal laundry on the
ground floor with least one washing machine and one clothes dryer to every twelve
residents occupying accessible bedrooms or bedsitters (or part thereof) located to
allow sufficient circulation space to enable residents in a wheelchair to access
appliances in accordance with AS 1428.2.
Note:
A 1550mm clearance between opposing walls and/or appliances is
required to allow sufficient circulation space for residents in a wheelchair
to approach appliances and cupboards in accordance with AS 4299.
Provide floor space 900mm wide x 600mm deep floor for each washing machine
adjacent to a trough together with hot and cold washing machine taps.
Consideration may need to be given to the provision of front loading washing
machines for use by residents in a wheelchair.
Provide a shallow stainless steel laundry trough with hot and cold water taps at a
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ratio of one per accessible washing machine, mounted 750mm to 850mm above
finished floor level with sufficient approach space and allowance for knee space
suitable for use by residents in a wheelchair. A 200mm high impervious splash
back (preferably ceramic tiling) shall be provided above each trough. Alternatively,
consideration may be given to installing a kitchen sink with a maximum depth of
150mm.
Provide visible horizontal timber battens to provide secure support for clothes
dryers located so that the clothes dryers will be accessible for use by residents in a
wheelchair. Provide a post-formed bench top adjacent to the trough with a work
surface area a minimum of 800mm long, 750mm to 850mm above finished floor
level with allowance for knee space suitable for use by residents in a wheelchair.
A floor waste with the floor graded 1:100 towards the waste shall be provided in
each laundry.
The clothesline shall be able to be accessed from the laundry without the need to
pass over carpeted areas.
SAFETY AND
SUPPORT
FEATURES
AS 1428.1
AS 1428.2
GRAB RAILS
Stainless steel grabrails fixed to the building structure shall be provided in
accessible en-suite bathrooms and all communal bathrooms and toilets as outlined
in the relevant sections and in accordance with AS 1428.1. Grabrails may also be
provided to suit individual resident’s needs.
Note:
A grabrail is a rail used to provide a steadying or stabilising assistance to a
person engaged in a particular function.
Towel rails shall be of a similar strength to grabrails unless their appearance is quite
distinct to that of the grabrail(s).
HANDRAILS
Handrails may be provided to external pathways, ramps, steps and landing areas
and to internal areas where required.
AS 1428.1
WINDOWS
Note:
A handrail is a rail used in circulation areas such as corridors, ramps and
stairways to assist in continuous movement.
Aluminium windows are required to be used wherever practicable. Consideration
shall be given to window frame design to minimise heat loss and gain.
Fixed vents shall be provided to windows in toilets and bathrooms.
Note:
BCA
Louvre windows shall not be used.
Due to furniture arrangement considerations it is preferred that floor to ceiling
windows are not provided in bedrooms. Window sills should be a minimum of
900mm above finished floor level.
Window fittings which are easily gripped by the hand should be located at an
accessible height for ease of use by residents.
AS 4299
AS 1288
AS 2208
Whilst meeting the BCA requirements for the provision of light and ventilation and
allowing for the windows to be cleaned from the inside, window openings in
rooming houses greater than two storeys in height shall be permanently restricted
to a maximum of 125mm.
Note:
Mandatory Safety
Standards (CAV)
Properties provided with curtain and blind cords shall have safety
devices installed to secure loose cords to prevent the risk of
strangulation.
The use of glass in potentially hazardous areas should be avoided. Where glass is
located in potentially hazardous areas such as low level glass panels where there is
wheelchair traffic, it shall be protected from impact or shall be of toughened safety
glass.
Note:
Security screens such as roller shutter screens or bars shall not be fitted
to windows.
All glazing shall be in accordance with AS 1288 and WERS.
Note:
WERS refers to the energy efficiency of a window according to the
Window Energy Rating Scheme.
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EAVES AND EXTERNAL SHADING TO WINDOWS
All rooming houses should be protected by means of effective eaves, especially
where windows and doors are located on western walls.
Rescode
Two-storey buildings should have effective eaves to all second storey windows with
ground floor windows protected by the use of landscaping and building orientation
wherever practicable.
In new properties, due to thermal considerations, external blinds may be provided
to north or west facing windows where the windows are not adequately protected
by effective eaves or by means of natural shading.
WINDOW FURNISHINGS
Internal Holland blinds shall be provided to the windows of habitable rooms and
bathrooms that do not have obscure glazing.
FRMG
Window furnishings (i.e. Holland blinds) are to be flame retardant or treated with
flame retardants to minimise the risk of ignition. The current supplied item
complies with this requirement.
Boxed pelmets and curtain rod brackets shall be provided to the window surround
in all habitable rooms.
Note:
Vertical blinds shall not be provided.
FLYWIRE SCREENS
Metal flywire screens are required to all openable windows and all fixed vents.
WINDOW LATCHES
Windows are to be secured by appropriate catches. Whilst meeting the BCA
requirements for the provision of ventilation and allowing for the windows to be
cleaned from the inside, window openings in rooming houses greater than two
storeys in height shall be permanently restricted to 125mm.
Note:
HCB does not provide keyed window locks as they limit use of the
windows as a secondary means of egress in the case of fire or other
emergency.
Sash-fastening devices such as pin catches may be provided to openable windows
that form part of a boundary directly adjoining public open space. Such devices are
to be capable of securing the window in a closed position and shall be able to
restrict the opening of the window to 125mm.
DOORS
EXTERNAL DOORS
Entry doors shall be flush panel solid doors with blockboard or particleboard core.
All external doors shall have three hinges and paint grade veneer door facings and
shall be fitted with door stops.
AS 2688
BCA
Note:
No sidelights or glazed panels shall be provided with doors. If additional
natural light is required, a fixed glazed highlight located above the
doorway shall be provided.
The main front and rear doors of all accessible rooming houses shall be a minimum
of 920mm wide. However, where practicable, the width of exits should be at least
1000mm or that prescribed by the BCA, whichever is the greater.
Note:
FRMG
A 920mm wide door should give a clear door opening of 850mm wide.
As a primary means of exit from a rooming house in cases of emergency, all entry
doors must be readily openable by a single-handed single action without a key from
the side that faces a person exiting the building.
External doors shall be fitted with adjustable door closers to minimise banging of
doors and to increase security.
Ensure that entry doors and the corresponding security or flywire door are hinged
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
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on the same side.
WEATHER SEALS
All external entry doors shall be draught free and include weather seal protection to
the bottom of the door.
Note:
"Weather seal protection" means a draught excluding device fitted to the
bottom of the door.
SECURITY AND FLYWIRE DOORS
A steel security door shall be provided to the main front and rear entries of all
rooming houses.
AS 2804.1
Note:
Security doors may be provided to rear entries when the rear yard is not
fenced and enclosed from public open space.
Ensure that the entry door and the corresponding security door are hinged on the
same side.
HALF PANEL STEEL FLYWIRE DOORS
A steel half panel flywire door may be provided to any additional entries of rooming
houses.
Note:
The half panel steel flywire door is a derivative of the security door. The
lower half of the door is sheet metal and the door has no locks but a snib
on the inside.
INTERNAL DOORS
AS 2688
AS 2208
Bedroom/bedsitter room doors shall be flush panel doors with blockboard or
particleboard core, a minimum of 820 mm wide with three hinges and no glazed
panels and shall be fitted with door stops. Door facings shall be of paint grade
veneer.
All other internal doors shall be flush panel doors with a honeycomb core and
hardboard door facings and shall be fitted with door stops.
All internal doors to the ground floor of accessible rooming houses including all
assessable rooms shall be a minimum of 920mm wide.
Note:
A 920mm wide door should give a clear door opening of 850mm
wide.
Doors to bedrooms and bedsitter rooms shall be readily openable without a key
from the side that faces the person exiting the building and only lockable with a key
from the side that faces a person entering the room.
To allow for ease of access in case of emergency, toilet doors shall either open
outwards or, if opening inwards, be provided with externally removable hinges.
Doors closers shall be fitted to all bathroom and toilet doors and to internal doors to
access ways and corridors.
FRMG
Glazing in glass doors or in doors with glass panels, where its use cannot be
avoided, shall be either protected from impact or of toughened safety glass.
Kick plates 450mm high may be fitted to doors (both sides) where required.
DOOR FURNITURE
AS 1428.1
Bedroom/bedsitter room doors shall be fitted with a security peephole and are to be
clearly numbered.
Provide lever type door handles fitted at a height of between 900mm and 1100mm
from finished floor level and operable with one hand that comply with the
requirements of AS 1428.1.
Provide D-pull handles a minimum size of 150mm to drawers, wardrobe and
cupboard doors located towards the top of below bench cupboards and towards the
bottom of overhead cupboards.
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Provide heavy duty hinges to cupboard and wardrobe doors where required
throughout the rooming house.
LOCKS
All locks shall be on a restricted master key system. It is preferable that one key
shall open each bedroom/bedsitter room door, allied food locker, external doors
and gates.
Locks are to be sourced from a reputable manufacturer commonly used in the
housing industry.
RTA
SECURITY DOOR LOCKS
Security doors are required to be fitted with a good quality locks that are key
operated externally and openable without a key from the inside.
AS 4145.2
ENTRY DOOR LOCKS
Entry doors are required to be fitted with good quality dead locks that are key
operated externally and openable without a key from the inside.
Entry door locks should be keyed alike wherever practicable.
FRMG
DOOR OPERATION
All doors (other than doors to bedrooms/bedsitter rooms) on an escape path in
cases of emergency must be readily openable by a single-handed single action
without a key from the side that faces a person exiting the building.
INTERNAL DOOR LOCKS
Bedroom/bedsitter room doors are required to be fitted with good quality key
operated locks with an internal snib readily openable without a key (at all times)
from the side that faces a person exiting the building and only lockable with a key
from the side that faces a person entering the room.
All communal toilet and bathroom doors shall have a privacy latch with occupancy
indicator.
FLOOR FINISHINGS
CARPETS
Provide hard-wearing, domestic polypropylene carpet and underlay to the living
rooms, bedrooms/bedsitter rooms and, where required, to the corridors of all
rooming houses.
AS 4299
Consideration should be given to carpet and underlay with low flammability and
flame spread characteristics.
Note:
The current supplied item carpet and underlay comply with AS/NZS
2455 and AS 4288.
FRMG
In accessible rooming houses provide hard-wearing, fire-resistant, domestic
polypropylene carpet with a short pile and a very firm underlay to assist wheelchair
manoeuvrability to all accessible rooms.
VINYL
AS 2055.1
Sheet vinyl flooring with a 2mm wear layer (not including laminations, plastics and
fibrous materials) shall be provided to the kitchens, communal kitchenettes, meals
areas, bathrooms including en-suite bathrooms in bedsitter rooms, laundries, toilets
and, where required, to the corridors of all rooming houses.
An insert of sheet vinyl flooring shall be provided to the kitchenette area of
bedsitter rooms.
Note:
Vinyl floor tiles should not be used.
In accessible rooming houses, provide slip-resistant sheet vinyl flooring with a 2mm
wear layer (not including laminations, plastics and fibrous materials) to all
accessible communal kitchens, communal kitchenettes, meals areas, bathrooms
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
including en-suite bathrooms in bedsitter rooms (where a stepless shower has not
been installed), laundries and toilets.
An insert of slip-resistant sheet vinyl flooring shall be provided to the kitchenette
area of accessible bedsitter rooms.
CERAMIC TILES
In accessible communal and en-suite bathrooms with a stepless shower installed,
provide slip-resistant ceramic tiles to the bathroom floor, including the shower
recess, extending to a height of 150 mm above finished floor level.
PAINTWORK
The painting of rooming houses plays an important role in both the protection of
the internal and external fabric and the enhancement of the amenity provided to
the tenants.
GENERAL
The main objective of painting is to provide a finished surface that is free from any
defects and has good paint coverage. This means that all surfaces have been
correctly prepared and that the final paint finish is not transparent. The number of
coats of paint required to achieve non-transparency depends on the surface being
painted, consequently, the number of coats of paint may vary. The minimum coats
of paint required are:

Primer to all bare timber, steel, etc;

Sealer to all bare plaster or filling materials, masonry, etc;

Undercoat and one finish coat for enamel systems; and

Two finish coats for acrylic systems.
LATEX (ACRYLIC) SYSTEMS
Latex (acrylic) systems as follows should be used in all new dwellings:

Walls and ceilings to living areas - low sheen acrylic latex.
Living areas means meals area/family room, lounge, bedrooms and
corridors.

Walls and ceilings to wet areas - semi gloss
Wet areas means kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and toilets.

Wood
and
metal
work
full
gloss
acrylic
latex.
Wood and metal work means cupboard doors, skirtings, architraves, doors,
window, reveals, handrails, weatherboards, trims, spouting, gables, soffits
and any wall claddings and front fencing, outbuildings, sheds and carports
where provided.
acrylic
latex.
COLOUR SCHEMES
The choice of colours selected for painting has an affect on the aesthetics of the
rooming house, but also has an influence on the cost of painting.
Strong and bold colours often require additional sealer coats before repainting. For
this reason pastel and mid tone colours only should be specified.
The differing types of colours used in a scheme may affect the cost of painting.
The more colour changes specified increases the labour required and, as a result,
the cost. This should be considered when specifying colour schemes.
WALL FINISHES
In accessible rooming houses, corridors may be fitted with bump rails and dado
panelling to 900mm above finished floor level to protect the walls from damage by
a wheelchair.
Similarly, where required, walls of heavily used areas (circulation areas, meals area
and kitchen) may be fitted with 450mm high coved vinyl skirting, horizontal timber
strips to 450mm above finished floor level or dado panelling to 900mm above
finished floor level. External corners may be protected to 450mm above finished
floor level.
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
INSULATION
CEILING, WALL AND ROOF INSULATION
Provide thermal insulation for ceiling and walls to the following minimum standard:
R1.5 batts and reflective foil to all brick veneer walls and R1.5 batts to all other
external walls.
R3.5 batts and reflective foil sarking under the roofing material.
Note:
BUILDING
SERVICES
Loose insulation material is not permitted.
SERVICES SEPARATELY METERED
Gas and water meters are to be located so as not to impede pathways and shall be
accessible to meter readers.
WATER
BCA
All rooming houses shall have hot and cold water to all sinks, basins, baths,
showers, troughs and washing machine taps.
A garden tap shall be provided to the rear and, where appropriate, to the front of
all rooming houses or as required by town planning requirements.
Where mains water is not available, water tanks are to be provided. A water pump
may be required to provide sufficient pressure to facilitate the use of an automatic
fire sprinkler system.
Water for communal areas shall be provided via a separate meter.
WATER PIPES
AS 3500
Copper or polymer water pipes specified in AS 3500 may be used for water
reticulation except in multi-storey or exposed locations where all water pipes shall
be of copper.
All externally exposed hot water pipes shall be insulated with, as a minimum, 15mm
pipe insulation suitable for use in external exposed applications. Dead legs on hot
water pipes shall not exceed 2000 mm.
Note:
Insulated pipes shall also be used in reticulated heating systems.
GAS
Natural gas shall be the prime source of energy for heating, hot water and cooking
for all rooming houses where reticulated natural gas is available.
AG 601
NON-RETICULATED AREAS
In those areas where reticulated natural gas is not available, the following sources
of energy will be provided:

Heating - off peak electricity,

Domestic hot water - off peak electricity,

Cooking - day tariff electricity.
Telephone
All rooming houses shall have one pay phone installed in an accessible communal
area for tenants' use.
A notice board shall be fixed to the wall adjacent to the telephone.
Where practicable, each bedroom/bedsitter room shall be wired for an individual
telephone service with one telephone point located adjacent to a GPO.
ELECTRICAL
SERVICES
RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES (RCDS)
Switchboard type RCDs shall be provided to all general power outlet and lighting
circuits.
RCDs are not required to circuits for fixed electric cooking appliances such as
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
ranges, ovens or hot plates. However, they are required for all laundry appliances.
POWER OUTLETS
FRMG
The following double general purpose outlets (GPOs) are required:

Communal living areas
3

Dining rooms (meals areas)
1

Corridors/passageways
1
AS 3000

Bedrooms
3
AS 4299

Bedsitter rooms
3

Communal bathrooms
1

En-suite bathrooms
1

Communal kitchens
as required

Kitchenettes
2

GPO for refrigerator
1

Communal laundries
as required
Note:
The number of GPOs provided in communal kitchens and laundries shall be
in accordance with the total appliances required for the number of
residents to be accommodated in the rooming house.
Each GPO shall be supplied with neon indicators and mounted either 600mm or,
where appropriate, 900mm to 1100mm above finished floor level (in line with the
light switches) and not less than 500mm horizontally from internal corners. Where
required, provide oversized GPOs located as above.
Note:
The GPOs for refrigerators shall be easily reachable when the refrigerator
is in its operating position.
Locate GPOs in kitchens (for appliances) 300mm above bench tops with at least
one GPO located within 300mm of the front of the work bench.
GPOs in communal and en-suite bathrooms shall be located adjacent to the mirror.
LIGHTING
BCA
AS 4299
As a minimum, all rooming houses shall have the following electric incandescent
light outlets (light bulb type), shades and associated switches mounted between
900mm and 1100mm above finished floor level in line with and, where practical,
adjacent to the door handles. Where required, provide rocker type light switches
with a recommended width of 35mm.

Communal living areas
2

Dining rooms (meals areas)
2

Corridors/passageways
as required

Bedrooms
1

Bedsitter rooms
2

Communal bathrooms
1

En-suite bathrooms
1

Communal toilets
1

Communal kitchens
2

Kitchenettes
1

Communal laundries
1

Front entrance, external

Rear entrance, external
1
1
Where practicable, provide exterior light fittings with movement sensors to the front
and rear entrances.
Note:
In rooming houses with two or more storeys, two-way light switches
shall be fitted to stair lights.
Provide vandal proof external security lighting to communal open spaces and
common use areas. Where required, provide exterior light fittings with movement
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
sensors to the main front and rear entrances.
AS 4299
Where practicable, energy efficient light fittings, for example compact fluorescent
globes, shall be used.
Pathway lighting should be positioned at a low height to reduce glare and provide a
minimum illumination level of 50 lux at ground level.
Where practicable, fit screw in globes in communal areas and bayonet type globes
in bedrooms/bedsitter rooms.
APPLIANCES
Controls on appliances should be easily gripped by the hand and located in a safe
and accessible position for ease of use.
STOVES
Communal kitchens shall be provided with either upright 4-burner stoves complete
with a griller and oven or 4-burner cooktops together with separate wall or
underbench grillers and ovens, preferably gas where reticulated natural gas is
available. The stoves shall be located at least 450mm from any corner of a room or
doorway, with sufficient clearance provided to facilitate cleaning and shall be
securely attached to the floor at the rear to prevent tilting. A work bench a
minimum of 800mm in length shall be provided to one side of the stoves.
BCA
In accessible communal kitchens provide either elevated stoves or 4-burner
cooktops together with separate wall or underbench grillers and ovens, preferably
gas where reticulated natural gas is available, located and secured as above in
accordance with the number of accessible bedrooms/ bedsitter rooms without
kitchenette facilities. A work bench a minimum of 800mm in length shall be
provided to one side of each stove.
Elevated stoves are required to have an impervious splash back (preferably ceramic
tiling) to 600mm above bench level. Where a rangehood is placed over the
cooktop, ceramix tiling shall be provided above the cooktop to the underside of the
rangehood.
AS 4299
Kitchenettes within bedsitter rooms shall be provided with a 2-burner or 4-burner
cooktop, griller and oven, preferably gas where reticulated natural gas is available,
located at least 450mm from any doorway. Alternatively, an elevated stove,
located as above with sufficient clearance provided to facilitate cleaning and
securely attached at the rear to prevent tilting, may be provided.
The controls shall be located at the front of stoves and either at the side or front of
cooktops and shall have raised cross bars for ease of use.
HEATING
All rooming houses shall be provided with a gas fired hydronic heating system of
sufficient size to heat all habitable rooms and living areas.
Note:
Open fireplaces, low combustion wood heaters or other combustion
heaters are not to be used.
HOT WATER UNITS
PSR
A hot water service shall be provided with a capacity sufficient to service the
number of tenants accommodated, located as close as practicable to the hot water
outlets and, wherever practical, fitted externally within a secured cage.
Hot water supply systems shall comply with the requirements of the Plumbing
Standards Regulations.
Note:
Instantaneous day rate electric hot water systems shall not be used;
however, continuous flow gas systems with a minimum rating of 4 stars
may be used where the installation of storage units is not practical.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT
Hot water reticulation shall be capable of delivering hot water to the bathroom(s) at
less than 50oC and simultaneously to the other wet areas at the temperature
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
recommended by the manufacturer of the hot water unit.
VENTILATION
EXHAUST FANS
An exhaust fan shall be provided to all communal bathrooms, toilets and laundries
and bedsitter en-suite bathrooms.
BCA
AS 2681
The fans are required to be vented as follows:

In rooming houses with tiled roofs, fans may be ventilated into the ceiling
space.

In rooming houses with metal deck roofs, fans shall be ducted and flued
though the ceiling and discharged externally via a cowl.

Exhaust fans in communal bathrooms and toilets and bedsitter en-suite
bathrooms shall be operated by the same switch as the ceiling light.
FIXED VENTILATION
Fixed ventilation in walls is not required.
RANGEHOODS
A rangehood, ducted and vented externally wherever practicable, shall be provided
over the cooktops in communal kitchens and bedsitter kitchenettes.
AS 2682
PLUMBING
AS 4299
TELEVISION
Note:
Recirculating rangehoods should not be used, except where the
installation of a flued rangehood is impractical.
Sanitary plumbing shall be concealed where practicable and, in accessible kitchens,
kitchenettes, bathrooms and laundries, hot water pipes under basins, sinks and
troughs shall be insulated to prevent burns to residents in a wheelchair.
TAPS
Provide heavy duty lever, lever mixer or capstan style taps with a single outlet for
ease of use. The tap sets in accessible kitchens, kitchenettes, bathrooms and
laundries should be located within 300mm from the front of the sink or basin for
ease of operation by residents in a wheelchair.
Provide one TV aerial point with cable to a Master Antenna Television (MATV)
system to each bedroom/bedsitter room and to all communal living areas.
An antenna, suitable for the number of outlets, is provided to MATV systems.
FIRE RISK
MANAGEMENT
Fire risk management compliance shall be in accordance with the requirements of
the current edition of the Department of Human Services Capital Development
Guidelines - Fire Risk Management Policy and Procedures, Fire Risk Management
Engineering Guidelines and the guidelines for specific occupancy types, plus any
additional provisions required by regulation, code, statute and these Standards.
FRMG
SMOKE ALARMS
FRMG
AS 3786
AS 1670.6
AS 1670.1
Rooming houses must be provided with a smoke detection / smoke alarm system
throughout, complying with AS 3786, AS1670.6 and AS 1670.1, to the satisfaction
of the fire safety engineer and the relevant building surveyor.
The installation must comply fully with HCB guidelines and either AS 1670.1 or AS
3786 and AS 1670.6. In accordance with the Building Control Commission Practice
Note 27, smoke detectors/alarms must be fitted throughout, except in the case of
areas such as kitchens, kitchenettes and bathrooms where smoke detectors may
cause spurious alarms, in which case heat detectors/alarms may be used in those
areas only.
All smoke alarms shall be connected to a mains powered lighting circuit and shall be
inter-connected.
Smoke alarms shall be of the sealed type, mains powered with a rechargeable
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
battery, test button and with a minimum 5-year guarantee.
Smoke alarms shall comply with the performance requirements for the appropriate
product standard specification.
BCC
VISUAL WARNING DEVICES
AS 4607
Rooming houses which may be occupied by tenants with a serious hearing
impairment shall be provided with a visual alarm system to augment the smoke
alarm system, fitted to comply with AS 4607.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
AS 2118.1
AS 2118.4
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided to all rooming houses in
accordance with AS 2118.1, AS 2118.4, and BCA requirements.
BCA 1996
BUILDING OCCUPANT WARNING SYSTEMS
The activation of a smoke detection / smoke alarm or sprinkler head must activate
a building warning system.
FRMG
The building warning system shall provide an audible alarm throughout the building
and must be linked to monitoring and response services.
ELECTRICAL PROTECTION
Earth leakage protection employing cut-off devices shall be provided to all new and
upgraded properties and to all buildings at the time of electrical rewiring.
FRMG
CONSTRUCTION
New buildings must have structural members and separating elements that will
maintain structural stability and prevent spread during a fire.
BCA
Stairs and shafts connecting two levels shall be enclosed in construction and have
appropriate resistance to fire and smoke spread to comply with BCA.
FRMG
WALL AND CEILING LININGS
Wall and ceiling linings shall be non-combustible in all new rooming houses.
FRMG
MANUAL FIRE SUPPRESSION
Manual fire suppression should be considered on a case by case basis while bearing
in mind that rooming houses are provided with sprinklers. Some examples of
manual fire suppression requirements are:
FRMG

If fire hydrants are provided they shall be installed in accordance with AS
2419.1 and local fire brigade requirements.

If fire hose reels are provided they shall be provided so that no point on a
floor is more than 36 metres from a fire hose reel. Fire hose reels shall be
certified as meeting AS 1221 and shall be installed and certified as
installed to AS 2441.

If portable fire extinguishers are provided they shall be appropriately
positioned and selected to address the likely types of fire but having
regard for potential side effects (for example, powder extinguishers
initiating asthma attacks or causing damage to electronic equipment).

Portable fire extinguishers shall be certified as meeting the requirements
of the appropriate Australian Standard and AS 1841.5, and shall be
installed in accordance with AS 2444. A record of the installation of
portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with AS 1841.1.

Appropriate signage should be provided.
AS 2419.1
AS 1221
AS 2441
AS 1841.1
AS 1841.5
AS 2444
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
Where the occupancy characteristics of a particular rooming house is such that
misuse of portable extinguishers or hose reels is likely, the option of securing or
storing manual fire fighting equipment that would normally be provided in public
areas in secure locations with means for it to be readily available in a fire
emergency should be considered as part of the fire risk assessment.
PROVISION FOR ESCAPE
FRMG
At least two exits should be provided from each storey occupied by residents. The
entrance to a bedroom/bedsitter room should be a maximum of 6 metres from an
exit or from a point in which travel in two directions is possible.
Exits should be distributed as uniformly as practicable within or around the storey
served, or in positions where unobstructed access to a least two exits is readily
available. Exits must be not less than 9 metres apart and not more than 45 metres
apart.
BCA
Where practicable, the width of exits should be at least 1000mm or that prescribed
in the BCA, whichever is the greater.
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
AS 2293.1
Emergency lighting shall be provided in every passageway, corridor, or hallway that
forms part of the path of travel from a bedroom/bedsitter room or common area to
an exit, stairs, communal areas and to manual call points if provided.
The emergency lighting shall comply with AS 2293.1, with system design,
installation and operation to be in accordance with the BCA as appropriate.
BCA 1996
FRMG
EXIT SIGNS
AS 2293.3
Illuminated exit signs shall be provided in public areas above exit doors and exit
direction signs should be provided to direct residents and visitors to exits such that
they are clearly visible to persons approaching an exit from any point in a corridor.
Exit signs and exit direction signs must comply with AS 2293.3 and the BCA as
appropriate.
FRMG
BCA
MANUAL CALL POINTS
Consideration should be given to providing manual call points to rooming houses for
residents to raise a building-wide alarm, unless there is likelihood of vandalism
and/or deliberate false alarms.
FRMG
SMOKE CONTROL
FRMG
Where necessary, active smoke control or smoke venting measures should be
implemented.
FURNISHINGS
FRMG
Any furnishings supplied by HCB such as curtains, blinds, mattresses, or
upholstered furnishings, should be flame-retardant or treated with flame retardants
to minimise the risk of ignition.
FENCING
HCB contributes to the erection and repair of dividing fences in accordance with the
Fences Act.
FA
Note:
Owners of adjoining land are required to contribute 50% of the
cost of standard fencing where fencing work is carried out in accordance
with the Fences Act.
FRONT FENCING
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
Where provided, front fencing shall harmonise with the neighbourhood character.
Preference should be given for the use of durable non- maintenance intensive
products.
Rescode
BOUNDARY & REAR YARD FENCING
Boundary fencing to the rear and sides of the property shall be provided in
accordance with local planning requirements and the Building Regulations.
BR
Where practicable, the private enclosed space (rear yard) shall be accessible to the
front of the property by means of side gates.
Matching wing fencing (where practicable) shall be provided to ensure the rear yard
is enclosed.
The type and style of fencing shall be appropriate to the fencing styles of the
neighbourhood. The preference for boundary fencing is timber paling, 1800mm
nominal height from the ground, continuing to the front of the property and raked
to a height common to the local streetscape or, in the case of corner properties, as
legally required.
Note:
Fencing in nominated termite prone areas shall be termite resistant.
Appropriate fencing/screening should be provided for recreational areas and
walkways to preserve the privacy of tenants and neighbours. Where practicable,
screening for stairways and windows overlooking adjoining properties should also
be provided.
LANDSCAPING
COMMUNAL OPEN SPACES
Low maintenance landscape works shall be provided to protect any existing plants
and incorporate appropriate tree planting. Consideration shall be given to:
Planting semi-mature trees in open space along boundaries adjacent to
neighbouring open space,
Planting in areas allowing sufficient open space for spreading tree canopies, and
Landscape designs to ensure structural protection of existing and proposed
buildings from root damage.
Existing trees should be retained wherever practicable.
As a guide, plants that are known to be reliable and hardy shall be used.
Note:
Communal areas and common use facilities of accessible rooming
houses shall be accessible to a person in a wheelchair.
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
TO:
DIRECTOR, POLICY, & STRATEGY, HCB
RE:
EXEMPTIONS TO STANDARDS POLICY REQUEST
DATE:
PROJECT:
PROJECT NO:
CHAPTER TITLE:
SECTION NO:
SUBJECT:
Details of Standards Exemption requested:
Reasons for Request (mandatory):
Cost implications (mandatory):
Signed:
Requesting Officer
/
Name (Block Letters):
Title:
/
Date:
Endorsed:
Project Manager/Program Manager
/
/
Name (Block Letters):
APPROVED/ NOT APPROVED:
Title:
Date:
/ /
Name (Block Letters):
Director, Policy, & Strategy
Date:
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
INDEX
A
Acceptable Time Frames.................................... 13
Accessibiliity
Policy ............................................................ 18
Bathrooms ............................................... 23, 34
Bedroom ....................................................... 22
Dwellings....................................................... 22
Path of Travel ................................................ 27
Storage ......................................................... 22
Amenity
Policy ............................................................ 18
Appliances
Heating ......................................................... 46
Hot Water Units ............................................. 46
Stoves ........................................................... 46
B
Balconies .......................................................... 27
Balustrades....................................................... 27
Bathrooms .............................................13, 33, 34
Accessible ...................................................... 34
Communal ..................................................... 33
Fittings
Seats............................................................. 35
Bathrooms .................................................. 33, 34
Bedrooms .... 13, 22, 23, 28, 29, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38,
39, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46
Accessible ...................................................... 29
Bedsitters .... 29, 30, 31, 32, 37, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46,
47, 49
Bedsitter Rooms................................................ 30
Accessible ...................................................... 30
En-suite Bathrooms ........................................ 30
Accessible ................................................... 31
Blinds
Internal ......................................................... 39
Vertical .......................................................... 39
Building Services
Gas ............................................................... 44
Policy ............................................................ 20
Telephone ..................................................... 44
Water ............................................................ 44
C
Capital Development Guidelines ........ 17, 20, 24, 47
Car Parking ................................................. 22, 26
Carpets ............................................................ 42
Carports ..................................................... 22, 26
Ceramic Tiles .................................................... 42
Circulation Space 23, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37,
38
Cleaners' Store ................................................. 36
Clothes Drying Room......................................... 13
Clotheslines ...................................................... 27
Commercial Kitchen .......................................... 36
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
Commercial Kitchen .......................................... 36
Common Standards .......................................... 26
Communal Bathroom ....................... 28, 33, 34, 35
Communal Bathrooms ............................ 34, 39, 47
Communal Kitchenettes..................................... 37
Communal Kitchens ......................... 42, 44, 46, 47
Communal Kitchens ............................... 44, 45, 46
Communal Laundry ........................................... 38
Communal Open Space ..................................... 20
Communal Toilets ....................................... 35, 41
Community Housing .......................................... 13
Community Housing Groups ................................ 8
Community Housing Program .............................. 8
Construction Type ............................................... 9
Co-operatives ..................................................... 8
Corner Blocks ................................................... 20
Corridor ........................................................... 13
Corridors .......................................................... 28
Cost Effective Solutions ....................................... 9
D
Design and Construction
Policy ............................................................ 19
Dining Room, ................................................... 13
Dividing Fence .................................................. 13
Domestic Activities ............................................ 13
Door Furniture .................................................. 41
Doors ............................................................... 40
Bedroom, Bedsitter Roomx ............................. 41
Closers .......................................................... 41
Entry ............................................................. 40
External ........................................................ 40
Flywire .......................................................... 40
Internal ......................................................... 41
Locks ...................................................... 23, 41
Security................................................... 23, 40
Weather Seals ............................................... 40
Driveways ........................................................ 27
Dwellings ......................................................... 13
E
Eaves ............................................................... 39
Electrical Services ............................................. 44
Earth Leakage Current Protection ................... 44
Power Outlets ................................................ 44
Residual Current Devices ................................ 44
Energy Efficiency ....................... 11, 19, 20, 39, 45
En-suite Bathrooms..................................... 30, 31
Excessive Costs .................................................. 9
Exemption to Standards ................................ 9, 15
Form ............................................................. 51
Exhaust Fans .................................................... 47
Existing Property................................................. 9
External Areas .................................................. 27
Balustrades ................................................... 27
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
Car Parking .............................................. 22, 26
Carports .................................................. 22, 26
Clotheslines ................................................... 27
Driveways...................................................... 27
Garden Taps .................................................. 27
Main Entries .................................................. 27
Pathways ....................................................... 27
Paving ........................................................... 27
Rear Year Amenities ....................................... 27
Rubbish Disposal ............................................ 27
Steps and Stairs ............................................. 27
Storage Shed ........................................... 22, 27
Washing Lines ............................................... 38
F
Family Dwellings ............................................... 23
Family Rooms ................................................... 13
Fences ............................................ 20, 24, 43, 50
Boundary....................................................... 50
Front ....................................................... 24, 50
Policy ............................................................ 20
Rear Yard ...................................................... 50
Wing ............................................................. 50
Fire Risk Management ...................... 17, 20, 24, 47
Automatic Sprinkler Systems ........................... 48
Construction .................................................. 48
Electrical Protection ........................................ 48
Emergency Lighting ....................................... 49
Exit Signs ...................................................... 49
Furnishings .................................................... 49
Manual Call Points .......................................... 49
Manual Fire Suppression ................................. 48
Provision for Escape ....................................... 49
Smoke Alarms .......................................... 24, 47
Smoke Control ............................................... 49
Visual Warning Devices ............................ 24, 48
Wall and Ceiling Linings .................................. 48
Warning Systems ........................................... 48
Floor Finishings
Carpets ......................................................... 42
Ceramic Tiles ................................................. 42
Vinyl ............................................................. 42
Floor Waste
Laundry ......................................................... 38
Flywire Screens
Doors ............................................................ 40
Windows ....................................................... 39
Full Wheelchair Accessibility ............................... 18
G
Garages............................................................ 26
Garden Taps ............................................... 27, 44
Gas .................................................................. 44
Non-Reticulated Areas .................................... 44
General Purpose Outlets (GPOs) ........................ 44
Grab Rails ......................................................... 39
Group Housing ....................... 8, 13, 18, 20, 22, 23
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
H
HCB Requirements ............................................ 13
Habitable Room ................................................ 13
Hallways .......................................................... 13
Handrails .......................................................... 39
Heatings .......................................................... 46
Hot Water Units ................................................ 46
Housing Sector Development ............................. 13
Housing Services Officer .................................... 13
Housing Standards Policy Manual ............... 2, 5, 15
I
Insulation
Ceiling, Wall and Roof .................................... 43
Internal Areas
Bedrooms ...................................................... 29
Bedsitter rooms ............................................. 30
Cleaners' Store .............................................. 36
Commercial Kitchen ....................................... 36
Communal Bathrooms .................................... 33
Communal Bathrooms (accessible).................. 34
Communal Kitchen ......................................... 36
Communal Kitchen (accessible)....................... 37
Communal Laundry ........................................ 38
Communal Laundry (accessible)...................... 38
Communal Toilets .......................................... 35
Communal Toilets (accessible) ........................ 35
Corridors ....................................................... 28
Kitchenettes (communal) ............................... 37
Living Areas................................................... 28
Meals Areas ................................................... 29
Roof Space Access ......................................... 33
Skylights ....................................................... 33
Storage ......................................................... 33
J
Joint Ventures .................................................... 8
K
Kitchen ............................................................ 13
Accessible ..................................................... 37
Ceramic Tiling.......................................... 36, 37
Communal ..................................................... 36
Facilities ........................................................ 32
Sinks ............................................................. 36
Kitchenettes ......................... 28, 32, 36, 37, 42, 47
Kitchenettes
Accessible ..................................................... 32
Communal ..................................................... 37
L
Landscape Works ........................................ 20, 50
Landscaping ..................................................... 25
Communal Open Spaces................................. 50
Policy ............................................................ 20
Laundry ........................................................... 13
Accessible ..................................................... 38
Communal ..................................................... 38
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
Floor Waste ................................................... 38
Legal Requirements .......................................... 13
Lighting ............................................................ 45
Policy ............................................................ 20
Liveability ......................................................... 18
Living Areas ...................................................... 28
Living Rooms .................................................... 13
Lobbies ............................................................ 13
Location
Site ............................................................... 26
Locks ............................................................... 41
Entry Doors ................................................... 41
Internal Door ........................................... 23, 41
Master Key Systems ....................................... 23
Policy ............................................................ 20
Window ......................................................... 23
Long Term Housing ............................................. 8
Longer Term Accommodation ............................ 13
M
Mailboxes ......................................................... 26
Main Entries ..................................................... 27
Maintenance Standards ......................... 1, 6, 7, 10
Manual Call Points ............................................. 49
Meals Area ....................................................... 29
Medium Density Developments .......................... 18
Meters .............................................................. 44
Modifications .................................................... 51
Modified Housing .............................................. 13
Multi-Level Developments .................................. 18
O
Off-Street Car Parking ....................................... 26
Outdoor Space .................................................. 27
P
Paintwork
Latex (acrylic) Systems................................... 43
Preparation .................................................... 42
Pantries ............................................................ 13
Pathways .......................................................... 27
Paving .............................................................. 27
Photographic Darkrooms ................................... 13
Physical Constraints ............................................ 9
Pin Catches................................................. 23, 39
Plumbing
Sanitary......................................................... 47
Taps ............................................................. 47
Potentially Accessible ........................................ 18
Power Outlets ................................................... 44
Privacy Latches ................................................. 23
Private Open Space ........................................... 20
Property ........................................................... 13
Property Numbering .......................................... 26
Property Titles .................................................. 19
Public Areas ................................................ 48, 49
Public Open Spaces ........................................... 13
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
R
Ramps ............................................................. 27
Rangehoods ..................................................... 47
Rear Yards ............................................ 22, 27, 50
Recreation Spaces ............................................ 27
Refuges ........................................................... 13
Rental General Stock ...................... 8, 9, 12, 22, 26
Reputable Manufacture ..................................... 13
Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) ....................... 44
Responsible Officer ..................................... 13, 15
Roof Space Access ............................................ 33
Rooming Houses .. 8, 13, 18, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33,
34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,
47, 48, 49
Rubbish Disposal .............................................. 27
S
Safety .............................................................. 11
Safety and Support Features
Grab/Hand Rails ............................................ 39
Sanitary Plumbing ............................ 30, 31, 33, 34
Sash-Fastening Devices ............................... 23, 39
Security
Doors ...................................................... 23, 40
Landscaping .................................................. 25
Locks ............................................................ 41
Policy ............................................................ 20
Requirements ................................................ 10
Separately Metered (services) ............................ 20
Sewing Rooms .................................................. 13
Showers ............................... 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 42
Shower Curtains .................................... 30, 31, 34
Site Selection.................................................... 22
Skylights .......................................................... 33
Smoke Alarms ....................................... 24, 47, 48
Spot Purchased (properties) ........................ 18, 19
Sprinkler Systems (automatic) ........................... 48
Stairways ......................................................... 27
Steps and Stairs................................................ 27
Storage ............................................................ 33
Storage Shed .............................................. 22, 27
Storage Space ................................. 29, 30, 32, 33
Stoves .............................................................. 46
Supported Accommodation ................................ 13
T
Taps ................................................................ 47
Garden .......................................................... 27
Washing Machine ........................................... 38
Telephone ........................................................ 44
Television ......................................................... 47
Termite Prone Areas .............................. 19, 24, 50
Tiles (vinyl) ...................................................... 42
Toilets .............................................................. 35
Communal ..................................................... 35
Accessible ..................................................... 35
Transitional Housing ......................................... 13
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COMMUNITY HOUSING
STANDARDS
Troughs............................................................ 38
U
Unrelated Persons ...................... 13, 14, 18, 23, 24
Urinals.............................................................. 35
V
Vacancy Indicator ............................................. 23
Ventilation ........................................................ 47
Exhaust fans .................................................. 47
Fixed ............................................................. 47
Rangehoods .................................................. 47
Verandah.......................................................... 27
Vinyl ................................................................ 42
Visitable ........................................................... 18
Visual Warning Devices ............................... 24, 48
W
Walk-In-Wardrobes (WIRs)................................ 13
Wall Finishes .................................................... 43
Wardrobes .................................................. 29, 30
Washing Lines .................................................. 38
Water ............................................................... 44
HSPM Chapter 06 – Community Housing Standards v1.2
Hot Water Units ............................................. 46
Pipe Materials ................................................ 44
Water Closet..................................................... 13
Water Efficient Appliances ................................. 14
Water Supply .................................................... 44
Water Using Appliances ..................................... 20
Weather Seals .................................................. 40
WELS ............................................................... 20
Wet Areas ........................................................ 14
Wheelchair ... 10, 13, 18, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,
31, 32, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 42, 43, 47, 50
Wheelchair Accessible ............................ 18, 27, 28
Wheelchairs ........................................... 18, 29, 30
Windows
External Shading............................................ 39
Flywire Screens ............................................. 39
Furnishings .................................................... 39
Locks, Latches ............................................... 23
Louvre .......................................................... 39
Openings....................................................... 39
Security Screens ............................................ 39
Sill Heights .................................................... 39
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