Healthy Homes Standards – Does your rental comply?

Healthy Homes standards became law on July 1st 2019 for all rental. When the standards were created, there were five sections outlined as requirements to be met. The five sections of the healthy homes standards are heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping.

On top of the healthy homes standards, landlords have tenancy legislation they must also follow. This legislation details other requirements for buildings, such as smoke alarms. Due to so many rules to follow, it is important landlords have regular healthy homes and rental inspections. We recommend these inspections are done by a professional at all times.

Many landlords these days live by a motto of “if I wouldn’t live in it, then I shouldn’t expect someone else to”, however unfortunately not everyone shares these views.

Tenancy New Zealand states…

That landlords are responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of their rental properties. The healthy homes standards are there to help ensure landlords have healthier, safer properties and lower maintenance costs for their investments. It is also said that the standards will make it easier for tenants to keep their homes warm and dry.

There is a link between cold, damp and mouldy homes and bad health outcomes such as asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Tenancy New Zealand believes that with the compliance of the standards, we will increase the quality of rental properties in New Zealand. This should have a flow on effect socially, lowering the amount of money spent on medical costs and decreasing the levels of hospitalisation.

A warmer and drier home will result in a house with less issues around mould or mildew. Betta Property Compliance, New Zealand’s largest property compliance company offers healthy homes inspections.

We will take a look at each standard separately over the next month, keep a look out.