A new era for healthy rentals – but insulate first!

 

Published 15 December 2017

Earlier this month there was some great news for housing in New Zealand – the Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill was passed into law.

We now have clear national policy direction for the delivery of healthy rental housing, and landlords will need to comply with these new standards when offering properties for rent.

But what do we know for sure? And what does it mean now, for landlords trying to meet the right rental standards? Or for tenants hoping for an upgrade?

Insulation
The insulation rules haven’t changed and insulation must be installed to current standards by July 2019. Landlords in breach of the regulations risk a $4000 penalty.

We recommend landlords are proactive in meeting the current insulation criteria deadline. The same current insulation standards will be reflected in the Healthy Homes Standards so it makes sense to upgrade now, before the last-minute rush. Getting the insulation sorted now reduces what has to be done later, and it benefits tenants too. Subsidies are currently available to cut costs by 50%. 

Heating
The new standards will define suitable heating in detail, however we think it is unlikely that it will require more than the current industry standard – i.e.

  • A fixed heating source

  • Sized and located to heat and maintain a comfortable temperature in the living area

We advise landlords to still go ahead and install heating, but be sure to check that any heating source is efficient, sized correctly, and in the best location to heat the living area properly. Read this guide to electric heaters and sizing or book a heating assessment. 

What happens now?
The Healthy Homes Guarantee Act comes into force on July 1, 2019. Between now and then the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE) will be setting new minimum Healthy Home Standards for rental properties, to achieve warmer, drier housing for all renters.

The detailed standards are now being drafted by MBIE and are due for consultation in April - May 2018. We know that the standards will be phased in between 2019 and 2024 and non-compliance could result in a $4000 penalty and a work order to meet the standards.

The standards will include:

  • Insulation (see current standards)

  • Heating (indoor air temperature)

  • Ventilation

  • Moisture (incoming)

  • Draught stopping

  • Drainage

Once standards are set, landlords will need to comply with all standards when offering properties for rent. 

Sustainability Trust can assist any landlord to meet these healthy housing standards so please contact us for advice or support at any time.

 
Sustainable Homes/ Home AdviceGuest UserSustainabilty TrustChanges to housing policy, Insulation