Healthy Homes Standards

Background:

The standards were first implemented in 2019 with further amendments made in 2022 by the Labour Government.

Private landlords were initially given 90 days from the start date of any new tenancy to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards, this

was later extended to 120 days.

 Why?

The Act was introduced to help stem health problems caused by under-insulated, old, damp or cold properties. The Standards are designed to achieve warmer, drier, healthier homes by providing clear minimum standards in all rental properties.

A lot of landlords and even builders are not aware that the Healthy Homes Act requirements are of a higher standard than the Building Act, this means the standards for your rental property can exceed the standards of your owner/ occupied home.

There are five separate standards within the Act that ensures every tenant lives in a warm, dry, and habitable home. The standards are:

  • Heating

  • Insulation

  • Ventilation

  • Moisture ingress and drainage

  • Draught-stopping

What it means to you as a landlord

Any landlord who does not comply with the standards under the Healthy Homes Act, can be fined up to $7,200.

Did you know? all new, varied, or renewed tenancy agreements have a requirement to include a HH Compliance Statement, reporting each of the 5 standards above, and if they currently comply or not.

As your Property Manager, we are experts in the process of Healthy Homes compliance, therefore keeping up with legislation and compliance deadlines of your property. We have seen issues with some reports that have failed in Tribunal, costing the landlord many thousands of dollars. Is it worth the risk?

Kiwis are DYI, but this is one Act that has no grey area, as there are specific measurements to follow, and this can change depending on the age of the home and other factors. This is not an Act to take lightly. We have also seen brand new homes fail Healthy Homes Assessments.

We want our landlords to have peace of mind, hence while why we pay your Healthy Homes Assessment as part of our management service (*conditions apply*). We work solely with a reputable company who is authorised to complete this assessment on your behalf.

Further information can be found on the Tenancy Services website.