We will soon be following in the footsteps of other countries with the Healthy Homes standards providing housing regulations for rental homes. Research has shown that in New Zealand rental housing is of poorer quality than owner-occupied homes.
Everybody deserves to live in a warm and healthy home and hopefully these standards will reduce housing related health issues for tenants who rent cold, damp, mouldy homes.
The healthy homes standards set the minimum requirements for:
Heating
There must be a fixed heating device, capable of achieving a minimum temperature of at least 18°C in the living room only.
Insulation
Ceiling and underfloor insulation will need to meet the 2008 Building Code insulation standard.
Ventilation
The proposed standard would require all bathrooms and kitchens to have mechanical extract ventilation discharged externally, in addition to opening windows in habitable rooms.
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.
Draft 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.
Clyne & Bennie are committed to helping all homeowners and landlords meet the new standards to achieve a warmer, drier, healthier home.
Learn more about the Healthier Homes scheme or call us on 0800 37 47 37 to discuss your requirements.