Healthy Homes | BW Henderson

Healthy Homes Standards

The Healthy Homes Standards will greatly enhance the quality of rental properties in New Zealand, offering long-term benefits to both tenants and landlords. Tenants will experience the comfort of living in warmer, drier homes, while landlords can expect lower maintenance costs over time by improving the condition of their properties.

The standards establish minimum requirements for all rental properties concerning heating, insulation, ventilation, draught stopping, moisture control, and drainage. BW Henderson Electrical can help landlords meet three of these key requirements: heating, ventilation, and draught stopping. Each standard is clearly outlined, specifying landlords’ responsibilities both for their rental properties and for reporting these details in tenancy agreements.

To avoid future penalties, landlords must stay informed about their obligations. For more information, you can visit tenancy.govt.nz at any time.

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OVERVIEW OF THE STANDARDS

Heating

A fixed heater (or multiple heaters) must be installed to heat the main living area to at least 18°C. Heaters that are inefficient, costly to run, or unhealthy do not meet this standard.

Insulation

In some cases, existing insulation may need to be upgraded or replaced. Depending on the property’s location, ceiling insulation must meet minimum R-values, or existing insulation must be at least 120mm thick. Underfloor insulation is required to have a minimum R-value of 1.3.

Ventilation

Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms must have windows, skylights, or doors that open to the outside and can be fixed in place when open, with a combined area of at least five percent of the room’s floor space. Additionally, extractor fans must be installed in kitchens and bathrooms to vent moisture outside.

Moisture and Drainage

Rental properties must have proper drainage systems, including effective guttering and downpipes. If the property has an enclosed subfloor, a ground moisture barrier must be installed where feasible.

Draught Stopping

Landlords are required to seal any unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that allow draughts. Open fireplaces must be sealed unless both the tenant and landlord agree to keep them open.

COMPLIANCE TIMEFRAMES

While there are already legal requirements for the healthy homes standards, landlords must ensure that all minimum standards are met within 90 days of the commencement of any new or renewed tenancy starting from 1 July 2021.

For long-term tenancies that have not been renewed, compliance with the standards is required by 1 July 2024. The complete compliance timeline is outlined below:

1 July 2021: All private rental properties must adhere to the healthy homes standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy (this applies to any rental property owned by a private landlord).
1 July 2024: All rental properties must comply with the healthy homes standards.

From Minor Repairs to New Home Wiring

Whether you need an extra power outlet or a full overhaul of your electrical system, our skilled electricians are here to assist with all your residential needs.

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