Private rented property standards guidance

All properties must have the following bathroom amenities in good working order and well maintained and include;

• a suitably located WC (toilet). 
• a suitably located fixed bath or shower provided with constant supplies of hot and cold water or a supply of water at a suitably controlled temperature. 
• a suitably located wash-hand basin provided with constant supplies of hot and cold water or a supply of water at a suitably controlled temperature. 
• the water supply must be of adequate flow rate that allows the bath or wash hand basin to fill in a reasonable time. A flow rate of between 10 - 15 Litres per minute is considered acceptable. 
• all rooms containing a WC should also contain a wash hand basin or the wash hand basin is located close to the WC 
• baths and wash hand basins must have a suitable non-porous splash back to protect the wall surface from water damage and facilitate cleaning.
• all surfaces should be non-porous and reasonably smooth such that they can be cleaned effectively. 
• provision of mechanical ventilation in the majority of bathrooms is a must. 

There may be a small number of circumstances where the levels of moisture are being adequately dealt with by the natural background ventilation within the dwelling. For example, a one-bedroom flat where the single occupier uses the facilities infrequently.

In these circumstances any changes in the use of the facilities or occupancy levels that will introduce an increase in moisture mechanical ventilation must be provided.

Mechanical extraction when provided must be capable of dealing with the levels of moisture within the room. Direct to the external air, controlled via a room light cord switch and incorporating a minimum 15-minute over-run device, and a minimum discharge rate of 15 litres of air per second. The provision of mechanical extraction will be insisted upon in bathrooms where a lack of suitable ventilation results in condensation issues. A lower rate of ventilation can be accepted where a continuous ventilation system is used. PIV or dMEV continuous running extractor fan with Humidistat.

Where council officers assess there is an issue with condensation and moisture levels, they may insist on the installation of mechanical extraction to deal with this using the methods described above.

• All waste water pipe work must be connected where necessary adequately sealed and have no loose connections. Waste pipes must be fitted with the correct fall to allow wastewater to discharge to a suitable outlet. 
• Long complicated waste pipe routes must be avoided.
• All wastewater outlets must be fitted with a suitable u-bend trap or similar. 
• All external sections of the wastewater pipe work must be securely fitted and with no damage, missing or loose sections and properly discharge into the drainage system.
• The WC soil vent stack must be securely fitted and with no damage, missing or loose sections and properly discharge into the drainage system.
• Sanitary appliances must be located within the dwelling whose occupants are to use them. All access should be internal from within the dwelling or building. The location of any individual sanitary appliance should accord with normal industry practice and not compromise the comfort and use of any dwelling or building. 
• In all cases sanitary appliances should be surrounded by surfaces capable of being readily cleaned and maintained and, where there is likelihood of water escaping beyond the confines of the appliance, the surfaces should be impermeable. 
• A wash hand basin is for personal hygiene only. A sink within a kitchen is not considered suitable for personal hygiene use. 
• Bathrooms and shower rooms must be provided with adequate heating, lighting, and ventilation. 
• Bathroom doors must be provided with a lock for privacy. It is recommended the lock fitted is capable of being opened from outside the bathroom in the case of emergency. 
• Bathrooms should not have a door with glazing. If glazing is present this must provide a sufficient level of privacy for the occupant. The use of a privacy glass such as frosted, textured,  sandblasted or similar or a privacy window film would be acceptable.
• Any electrical switches, sockets or equipment must be safely positioned in the bathroom in accordance with current IEE Regulations and Part P of the Building Regulations.
• Light fittings must be IP rated in accordance with its location within the bathroom 
• Ceilings must be of a cleanable surface and free from damp and mould 
• Walls must be of a cleanable surface and free from damp and mould
• Floor coverings must be sealed around the perimeter of the room. They must also extend beyond the bath panel or shower tray panel to prevent water getting beyond the bath area.
• Where a shower is fitted over a bath a suitably sized screen or shower curtain must be fitted that prevents water from getting beyond the bath area.
• Shower cubicles/ trays must be adequately sealed to prevent water from getting beyond the cubicle area.
• WHB must be securely fixed to the wall, any pedestal must also be secure. Wastes must be free from blockages and wastewater must drain freely. 
• Tap fittings must be securely fitted and free from leaks, drips. Operation of taps must be as intended and without hindrance. 
• WC and soil waste connections must be free from leaks. 
• The WC pan must be securely fixed to the floor / wall and the perimeter of the pan sealed with the adjacent floor covering. 
• The WC flush handle must be secure and functioning and the cistern must refill at a suitable rate.