Landlords & Property Managers | Healthy Homes Standards

LANDLORDS &
PROPERTY MANAGERS

Is your rental property compliant with the latest Healthy Homes standards?

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Healthy Homes Standard

Is your property compliant?

The New Zealand Healthy Homes Standards are a set of regulations designed to improve the quality of rental properties in the country. The standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control and draught stopping.

Insulation

The insulation standards require that all rental properties have ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets a minimum thickness (mm) and R-value (a measure of insulation effectiveness).

Ceiling insulation must be at least 120mm thick and have an R-value of at least R2.9. Underfloor insulation must be at least 70mm thick and have an R-value of at least R1.3.

The insulation must be installed safely and securely, and any gaps must be repaired.

Ground Moisture Barrier

It is a requirement that most rental properties with an enclosed subfloor have a ground moisture barrier installed.

The barrier must cover the entire ground surface of the subfloor and be made of an appropriate material, such as heavy duty polythene. The barrier must be properly installed to prevent moisture for entering the subfloor.

Heating Solutions

The heating standards requires that all rental properties have fixed heating device capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 18ºC in the main living area.

It is best practise to use the tenancy services heating tool to determine the minimum kW of heating required. The heating device must be safe, easy to use and located in a suitable place.

Healthy Homes Standards Key Dates

The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in all rental properties. The Healthy Home Standards became law 1 July 2019.

1 July 2021

All private rentals must comply with the standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy.

1 July 2024

All private rentals must comply.

Landlords who fail to comply with the Healthy Home Standards within the compliance timeframes are in breach of the residential tenancy (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 Act and could be fined.

EnergySmart Healthy Home Standards Rental Service

EnergySmart has dedicated Healthy Home Standards Assessors nationwide, providing professional, on-time rental property assessments & competitive quotes for your rental’s Insulation, Heating and Ground Moisture Barrier compliance.

As the manufacturer of insulation, EnergySmart’s Property Managers and Landlords are ensured on time compliance with a best quality, low price promise! We stock a wide range of Insulation and Heat Pump brands, that we bulk to safeguard consistency of supply.

Don’t risk facing a penalty; contact our friendly customer service team today. We will help you coordinate with your tenants to ensure you and your rental property is protected.

HEALTHY HOMES STANDARDS

Heating Standard

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.

Insulation Standard

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. The healthy homes insulation standard builds on the current regulations and some existing insulation will need to be topped up or replaced.

Ventillation Standard

Rental properties must have openable windows in the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans.

Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard

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.

Draught Stopping Standard

A rental property must not have unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, skylights, floors and doors which cause noticeable draughts. All unused open fireplaces must be closed off or their chimneys must be blocked to prevent draughts.