Why all the FUSS?
Let’s face it, Kiwis are family bound which makes home the base and who amongst us would not like living in a healthy house? Research shows a link between cold, damp and mouldy homes and negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as asthma and cardiovascular conditions.
Be it owner occupied or rental stock, warmer and drier homes are also less likely to have issues with mould or mildew damage, better protecting investment. It is a win all the way and a long term issue that desperately needed some level of standardizing.
Legislative information:
The healthy homes standards became law on 1 July 2019.
Initially, the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act was passed by the government in December 2017. It introduced specific .Minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage and draught stopping which have now been finalised and drafted in the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019.
By 1st of July 2024 all rental homes must comply with the healthy home standards
The healthy homes standards – IN A NUTSHELL
| Standard | Required standard |
| Heating | There must be fixed heating devices, capable of achieving a minimum temperature of at least 18°C in the living room only.
Some heating devices are inefficient, unaffordable or unhealthy and will not meet the requirements under the heating standard. |
| 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. |
| Ventilation | Ventilation must include openable windows in the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. Also an appropriately sized extractor fan(s) in rooms with a bath or shower or indoor cooktop. |
| Moisture ingress
and drainage |
Landlords must ensure efficient drainage and guttering, downpipes and drains. If a rental property has an enclosed subfloor,
it must have a ground moisture barrier if it’s possible to install one. |
| Draught stopping | Landlords must stop any unnecessary gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause noticeable draughts.
All unused chimneys and fireplaces must be blocked. |
Key dates to note:
By 1 December 2020:
Landlords must include a statement of their current level of compliance with the healthy homes standards in any new, varied or renewed tenancy agreement.
By 1 July 2021
Private landlords must ensure their rental properties comply with healthy homes standards within 90 days of any new, or renewed tenancy.
All boarding houses (except Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Provider boarding house tenancies) must comply with healthy homes standards
By 1 July 2023
All Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) houses and registered Community Housing Provider boarding houses must comply with healthy homes standards.
By 1 July 2024
All rental homes must comply with healthy homes standards.
For more reading on standards laid out by the government on these key aspects, please refer to/download;
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/files/healthy-homes-standards-key-facts.pdf
HVAC NZ is run by a trained Healthy Homes Assessor, as well as HomeFit Certified Assessor, who can guide you through this process.
Although HVAC NZ does not personally conduct Healthy Homes Assessments, we have the expertise and knowledge to help guide you through meeting compliance as well as interpretation of the standards.
