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What Does a Landlord Need to Know? NZ’s Healthy Homes Standards
The Healthy Homes Standards are laws which were introduced by the New Zealand government and note the minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress, drainage and draught stoppage for rental properties. These standards keep tenants warm and dry, and ensure landlords are responsible for ensuring their properties meet the standards and continue to do so over time. All rental properties will need to comply with these standards by 1 July 2025.
Over 600,000 households in New Zealand currently rent and research shows that rentals are generally poorer quality than owner occupied homes. Cold, damp and mouldy homes can cause health issues such as asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Improving the quality of rental homes benefits both the landlord and tenant, as those who rent will experience improved health and warmer and drier homes will be less likely to experience issues with mould and mildew. So what are the standards?
Heating
One or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room must be provided. They also must meet the minimum heating capacity required.
Insulation
While ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 2019 these new standards build on the current regulations and means some existing insulation will need to be either topped up or replaced.
Ventilation
Each livable space in a rental property must have a window or door that opens to the outside and be fixed in the open position. All kitchens and bathrooms must have an extractor fan to remove moisture.
Moisture Ingress And Drainage
A rental property must have efficient drainage, guttering and downpipes for the removal of stormwater, surface water and groundwater. Where there is an enclosed subfloor, a ground moisture barrier is required.
Draught Stopping
Landlords must block any unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors.
There may be some situations in which a property is not required to meet some or all of the new healthy homes standards. However landlords who don’t meet their obligations are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and face consequences like financial penalties. New and renewed tenancy agreements must include a statement with details of the property’s current level of compliance. Landlords must also keep all records and documents to show how they are complying with the healthy homes standards.
