
Sue Cook Licensed Salesperson REAA2008
Harcourts Northwest
Level 2 3/2 Te Pumanawa Square, Northwest Shopping Centre, Auckland
Email: sue.cook@harcourts.co.nz
Ph: 0272 757525
Question
What are the Housing Improvement Regulations 1947 and when would they apply?
Answer
The Housing Improvement Regulations 1947 (the Regulations) prescribe minimum standards for a bedroom.
There are some exceptions to the minimum standards in the Regulations (e.g. for bedrooms in modern residential apartments). Unless the exceptions apply, though, a bedroom must:
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Have a minimum width of 1.8 metres;
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Have an area of not less than 6 square metres;
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Have a height from finished floor to finished ceiling of at least 2.1 metres in an existing house (as at 1975), or 2.4 metres in a new house;
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Have at least one window situated in an external wall to admit adequate light;
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The aggregate area of glass in the windows must not be less than one-tenth of the floor area of the room;
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Windows with an area of not less than one-twentieth of the floor area must be able to be opened to allow air circulation, or in accordance with local authority requirements.
Question
Can I advertise a property with a room as a “bedroom” if it meets the definition of bedroom from the Housing Improvement Regulations 1947, but it is not consented as a bedroom on the Council plans (e.g. the plans show that it is an office?)
Answer
No. Licensees must advertise in accordance with the Council plans. A room that is consented as an “office” should not be advertised as a “bedroom”.
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