From 1st July 2021, landlords must ensure their rental properties comply with the Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of all new, varied, or renewed tenancy agreements.

Why healthy homes are important?

New Zealand research tells us that rental homes are in poor quality which are cold, damp or mouldy, which has negative health impacts such as asthma and cardiovascular conditions.

By improving the quality of your homes or rental properties, we can experience improved health, warmer and drier homes as well as protecting your investment.

What do I need to know?

Standard:

Heating – The main living room must have a fixed heating device that can heat the room to
at least 18°C. The new regulations clarify the requirements for heating devices –
some will not meet the requirements under the heating standard as they are
inefficient, unaffordable or unhealthy. A heating assessment tool will be
provided by July this year, which will assist with determining the heating
capacity required for individual rooms.

Insulation – The minimum level of ceiling and underfloor insulation must either meet the
2008 Building Code, or (for existing ceiling insulation) have a minimum thickness
of 120mm and be in reasonable condition with no dampness, damage or
displacement. The new regulations also specify where insulation exemption
applies.

Ventilation – Ventilation must include openable windows in each habitable space. The
windows must comprise at least 5% of the floor area of that space. An
appropriately sized extraction fan or rangehood must be installed in rooms with a
bath or shower or indoor cooktop.

Moisture – The standards reinforce existing law that says landlords must have adequate
ingress and drainage and guttering.
drainage • If a rental property has an enclosed subfloor space, it must have an on-ground
moisture barrier, which will stop moisture rising into the home.

Draught – Any gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors that cause
stopping unreasonable draughts must be blocked. This includes all unused open fireplaces
and chimneys.

What I need to do first?

1 July 2019

Ceiling and underfloor insulation will be compulsory in all rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to install. Landlords must include a statement of intent to comply with the healthy homes standards in any new or renewed tenancy agreement. Landlords must begin keeping records that demonstrate compliance with any healthy homes standards that apply or will apply during the tenancy.

1 December 2020

Landlords must include a statement of they current level of compliance with the healthy homes standards in any new or renewed tenancy agreement.

1 July 2021

Private landlords must ensure their rental properties comply with the healthy homes standards within 90 days of any new, or renewed tenancy. All boarding houses (except Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Provider boarding
house tenancies) must comply with the healthy homes standards.

1 July 2024

All rental homes must comply with the healthy homes standards

What we can do for you?

Greenstars can clean all mould residues, dirt for Healthy homes inspections. We also have experienced and licensed healthy homes inspectors who can inspect your home and give you a full inspection report.