What are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards were established to bridge the quality divide between rental properties and owner-occupied homes, aiming to provide nearly 600,000 renting households in New Zealand with warmer, drier living spaces. Whether you’re a property owner or simply interested in creating a healthier environment, we’re here to help. Our process evaluates rental properties in line with the Healthy Homes Standards, offering recommendations for necessary improvements.
The recently implemented Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) mandate specific criteria for all rental properties. These requirements, applicable between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2024, vary based on property type. The objective is to significantly elevate the quality of rental housing in New Zealand, ensuring tenants reside in healthier conditions. These standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught prevention measures.
Timeline to meet Regulation Deadlines
What happens if my property doesn’t comply?
By July 2025 all rental homes must comply with Healthy Homes Standards, regardless of when the tenancy began. If a tenant believes their landlord has not complied with Healthy Homes Standards, they may seek a mediation and/or hearing with the Tenancy Tribunal.
The Tenancy Tribunal can compel you to undertake work and impose a penalty of up to $4,000.
Heating
We ensure your lounge’s fixed heater or heat pump is operational and functioning efficiently.
Landlords must provide one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room. The heater(s) must be acceptable types, and must meet the minimum heating capacity required for your main living room.
Raise The Standards
Between 1 July 2021 and 1 July 2025, all private rentals must comply with the healthy homes standards within certain timeframes depending on when the tenancy starts or is renewed.
Insulation
We check that the floor and ceiling insulation has been installed correctly, there are no damages and is at the correct R-rating.
Ceiling and underfloor insulation have been compulsory in all rental properties since July 1, 2019. The healthy homes insulation standard strengthens the current regulations, mandating the replenishment or replacement of some insulation.
Draught Stopping
We check that the floor and ceiling insulation has been installed correctly, there are no damages and is at the correct R-rating.
Ceiling and underfloor insulation have been compulsory in all rental properties since July 1, 2019. The healthy homes insulation standard strengthens the current regulations, mandating the replenishment or replacement of some insulation.
Ventilation
We verify the presence and functionality of extractor fans in bathrooms and a kitchen range hood or extractor fan.
Rental homes must have openable windows in the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans or an acceptable continuous mechanical ventilation system.
Moisture Ingress & Drainage
We assess guttering, downpipes, and drains for proper connection and cleanliness, addressing any pooling and ensuring the presence of a moisture barrier.
Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. Rental properties with an enclosed sub-floor space must have a ground moisture barrier.
