July 2021 was a big month and year for homeowners and landlords. July 1 marked the day that all rental homes had to meet a set of healthy home standards outlined by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.

These standards are related to heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. Failure to comply with the healthy homes standards could put landlords on the wrong side of the law. So, what are they all about, and are your rental homes up to scratch? Find out more below.

 

What Are the 5 Healthy Homes Standards?

The 5 healthy home standards are heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress & drainage, and draught stopping. By July 2021, all boarding houses and private landlords must meet these healthy home standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy.

By July 1, 2023, all Kainga Ora and Community Housing Provider houses must meet the standards, and all rental homes must meet them by July 1, 2024.

 

Heating

Everyone in New Zealand has the right to live in a warm home. Therefore, heating is one of the five healthy home standards by which your rental property must abide. The main living room must have a heating device in it, and it must be fixed, at least 1.5kW capacity, and have the correct capacity to heat the space.

The healthy home standard also means that no open fires or unflued combustion heaters are acceptable, nor are electric heaters unless they’re heat pumps. Heat pumps must have a thermostat, and some further kW standards may apply to your unique heating appliances.

 

Insulation

An insulated home can retain heat much better while also being drier and reducing the chance of mould growth. Where practical, rental homes should have underfloor and ceiling insulation consisting of polyester, wool, or fibreglass.

Existing insulation should be in good condition and, if installed before July 1, 2016, be thicker than 120mm. All insulation must meet the R-value for your area.  

 

Ventilation

The more ventilated your rental property is, the drier it is. Make sure that all liveable rooms have opening windows, doors, or skylights. They should be able to remain open in the fixed position. Kitchens should have extractor fans or range hoods, and any fans should be vented outside.

Bathrooms should also have extractor fans vented outside, and all fans should be in good working order with a minimum diameter of 120mm, including ducting, with an exhaust capacity of 25L/second.

 

Moisture Ingress & Drainage

A damp home can wreak havoc on a home and its occupants. Make sure that water always has a place to go so that your rental property can remain dry. Run through the landlords’ checklist to ensure you’re adhering to all moisture ingress and drainage requirements.

These include gutters to drain water away, ground moisture barriers, and gutters and downpipes that don’t overflow and are free of blockages. All surface and groundwater should also have somewhere to go.

 

Draught Stopping

Keep your tenants warm and happy by taking care of all draughts from gaps and holes larger than 3mm. Gaps can be present around walls, ceilings, doors, skylights, and where ceilings and walls join. It might also pay to look for loose hinges and latches and gaps around electrical and plumbing passages.

 

What is a Healthy Home Check?

A healthy home check is a healthy homes assessment to ensure your rental property meets healthy home standards. A full internal and external audit is completed, with you, the homeowner, receiving a report outlining your level of compliance.

If you haven’t managed to tick every box, you will also receive written advice on what you need to do to bring your home up to the appropriate standard. Typically, you can find out who is performing healthy home assessments in your area from your local council.

 

Is a Healthy Homes Assessment Compulsory?

A healthy homes assessment is compulsory, and it makes sure that your property complies with all regulations. Failure to comply or provide proof of your healthy homes compliance may end up with a tenant taking you to the Tenancy Tribunal. Financial penalties of up to $4,000 may apply.

 

How Much is a Healthy Homes Assessment?

The cost of healthy homes assessments can depend on the service provider recommended by your local council. The average price is around $250 and doesn’t include the costs of becoming compliant. The best way to know how much your healthy homes assessment will cost is by contacting your local council.

 

Look After Your Investment

By making sure your home complies with healthy home standards, and even by ensuring you’ve undertaken meth testing and taken care of hazards like asbestos, you can be in the best possible position to protect your asset now and into the future.