Rooming houses: a guide for residents and operators - NWHN

The inspector may look for things such as:• the general state of repair• ventilation• fire hazards• the prominent display of essentialhealth, building and fire safety measures• fire prevention systems, includingsmoke detectors• emergency lighting and exits• any other matters that may risk thelife, safety or health of anyone usingthe building.Operators must keep records ofmaintenance of essential safetymeasures and the current essentialsafety measures report, as these arelikely to be requested during an inspection.Operators face penalties if they do notkeep adequate records.An MBS or PBS may issue an operatorwith a building notice or building order ifthey believe the rooming house does notcomply with the Building Regulations andis therefore unsafe.For informationabout notices andorders that may beissued by an MBS orPBS, operators shouldcontact the building departmentof their local council.A health inspection by an environmentalhealth officer from the local council orDepartment of Health will look at thingssuch as:• the register of residents• the number of bathrooms• general hygiene• room size• rubbish collection• pest control• adequate supply of hot and cold water.An inspection may result in an operatorbeing given a written order or notice tocarry out work.13