Healthy Housing Index well-house check

The Healthy Housing Index was developed as a structured housing inspection instrument for assessing physical housing conditions that may affect occupants’ health and safety. It provides an indication of the “healthiness” and safety of a dwelling, including the likelihood that occupants may experience illness or injury associated with housing conditions. The assessment follows the physical layout of the dwelling and involves a systematic inspection of rooms, building components, external areas and building services. It examines five principal components: 1) structural soundness; 2) adequacy of essential services; 3) warmth and dryness; 4) safety; 5) protection from external and environmental hazards.

The assessment covers issues such as dampness, mould, insulation, heating, ventilation, electrical safety, fire safety, pathways, internal and external stairs, sanitation, drainage and general building maintenance. It can be completed by trained building inspectors or other appropriately trained assessors. It is best used as a supplementary building-condition component alongside a person-centred accessibility or functional assessment.