Ensuring Safe and Comfortable Rental Homes for all New Zealanders
As a landlord or property manager in New Zealand, it’s important to understand the Healthy Homes Standards. These standards are a set of regulations that came into effect on 1 July 2019. These are aimed at ensuring that rental homes are safe, healthy, and comfortable for tenants. The standards cover various aspects of the home, including insulation, heating, ventilation, and moisture control. At Aspire we have worked hard to ensure that all our properties comply, or are on their way to complying, with the new standards.
To comply, landlords must ensure that their rental properties meet specific requirements. For instance, the insulation standard requires that all rental homes have ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the minimum thickness requirement. The heating standard requires landlords to provide an adequate and efficient heating source in the living room, and they must meet certain kW levels, depending on the size of the room.
Landlords must also ensure that their rental homes meet the draught stopping standard. This standard requires landlords to identify and block any gaps or holes that could allow air to enter or escape the home. Common areas where draughts occur include around doors and windows, and in the kitchen and dining room areas.
The moisture ingress and drainage standard require landlords to ensure that their rental homes have adequate drainage and moisture control measures in place. This includes ensuring that there is proper ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen, as well as fixing any leaks or water damage as soon as possible.
To comply with the Healthy Homes Standards, landlords must also ensure that their rental homes have an extractor fan installed in the bathroom or kitchen. This fan helps to remove moisture and steam, which can lead to mould growth and other health issues.
If a landlord or property manager fails to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards, they may face penalties and fines. In addition, tenants can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to have their renewed tenancy agreement amended or cancelled if their rental home does not meet the Healthy Homes Standards.
To help landlords and tenants understand the Healthy Homes Standards, the Tenancy Services website provides detailed information and guidance on how to comply with each standard and also includes important dates for when different standards must be met. Landlords must ensure that their rental homes meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy agreement. In addition to meeting the Healthy Homes Standards, landlords should also consider other measures to improve the health and comfort of their rental homes. This could include installing a heat pump or other efficient heating source, improving ventilation, and addressing any mould or dampness issues.
The Healthy Homes Standards are an important set of regulations aimed at ensuring that rental homes in New Zealand are safe, healthy, and comfortable for tenants. Landlords and property managers must ensure that their rental properties meet the standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy agreement. By complying with these standards, landlords can help to create a better rental experience for their tenants, while also avoiding penalties and fines.
Having a property manager in place is a great solution for any landlord who is unsure if their rental property complies.
Contact us today if you have any questions about your rental property, and to find out if it complies.
