New Zealand’s Healthy Home Standards is aimed to improve the quality of rental housing in the country. The standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for all rental properties, including existing and new ones. Here are some tips on how to comply with the NZ Healthy Home Standards.
Heating
The first requirement of the Healthy Home Standards is heating. Your rental property must have a fixed heating device, such as a heat pump, that meets the minimum heating capacity for the main living area. The minimum heating capacity is 1.5 kW for every 10 square meters of the main living area. The heating device must also be safe and energy-efficient. Examples of fixed heating devices include heat pumps, wood burners, and gas heaters.
Insulation
The second is insulation. Your rental property must have ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the required R-value. R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, which determines how well insulation resists heat flow. The required R-value for ceiling insulation is R 2.9, and for underfloor insulation, it is R 1.3. Insulation is essential to keep your rental property warm in winter and cool in summer.
Ventilation
Your rental property must have windows or vents in the living area, kitchen and bathrooms. These windows or vents must be operable and provide enough ventilation to reduce moisture and improve air quality. You can also install extractor fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to improve ventilation.
Moisture Ingress and Drainage
The fourth requirement is moisture ingress and drainage. Your rental property must have adequate drainage to prevent water from entering the building. You must also fix any leaks or dampness in the walls, ceiling, or floors. Moisture can cause mould and other health problems, so it’s important to keep your rental property dry and well-ventilated.
Compliance statement
Finally, you must provide a compliance statement to your tenants, which outlines how your rental property complies with the Healthy Home Standards. The compliance statement must include information on the insulation, heating, ventilation, moisture ingress, and drainage of your rental property. You must also provide the tenant with an opportunity to request a copy of the latest healthy home inspection report.
In conclusion, complying with the NZ Healthy Home Standards is mandatory for all rental properties. As a landlord, you must ensure that your rental property meets the minimum requirements for insulation, heating, ventilation, moisture ingress, and drainage. You must also provide a compliance statement to your tenants and keep your rental property well-maintained. By following these tips, you can provide a healthy and safe living environment for your tenants.
