Healthy Homes Standards
The Healthy Homes Standards for rental properties became law on 1 July 2019. These introduced minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping.
All private rentals must comply within 120 days of any new or renewed tenancy, with all private rentals complying by 1 July 2025.
Heating
All rental properties must have one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room and meet the required heating capacity. Certain heating devices that are inefficient, unaffordable or unhealthy will not meet the requirements of this standard.
Insulation
Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019, where it is reasonably practical to install. Existing insulation may need to be topped up or replaced if it is not in a reasonable condition.
Ventilation
Rental properties must have at least one door or window (including skylights) that opens to the outside in all bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, lounges and kitchens. The windows and doors must be able to be fixed in the open position and be at least 5% of the floor area of the room.
All kitchens and bathrooms must have an extractor fan that ventilates externally.
We can arrange for ventilation assessments on your behalf.
Moisture ingress and drainage
Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove stormwater, surface water, and groundwater, including appropriate outfall. The drainage system must include gutters, downpipes and drains for the removal of water from the roof. If reasonably practicable, rental properties with suspended floors, where the subfloor space is enclosed, must have a ground moisture barrier.
Draught stopping
Landlords must block any unreasonable gaps and holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors that cause noticeable draughts. Open fireplaces must be blocked unless the tenant and landlord agree otherwise.
For further, more in-depth information, please go to www.tenancy.govt.nz and search under the Healthy Homes tab.