At the end of last month the government announced the long awaited Healthy Homes Standards. The authority for these standards is granted under the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act 2017.

The time frame for compliance is approximately two years for private landlords as after 1 July 2021 a rental property must be compliant within 90 days of a new tenancy.

A quick glance at the new requirements:

Heating

Fixed heating devices are needed in living rooms which can warm to at least 18 degrees Celsius. Not all heaters/heat pumps/fires will meet this requirement if they are inefficient, unaffordable or unhealthy to operate. Portable heaters will not meet the requirement.

Insulation

The current requirement to be met by 1 July 2019 is 70 mm thick for existing insulation. The new requirement is 120mm thick for existing insulation. Otherwise to meet the 2008 Building Code requirement.

Ventilation

Extractor fans are required in kitchens and bathrooms and opening windows in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchen and bedrooms.

Moisture and drainage

Efficient drainage and guttering, downpipes and drains. Enclosed sub-floor spaces (under the house) need a moisture barrier laid on the ground if it’s possible to install one.

Draughts

No gaps in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors that cause noticeable draughts. Chimneys and fireplaces which are not used must be blocked up.

Some of the detail behind these requirements is still to be released, nonetheless, we are exploring the most efficient way to work through all our properties to help you ensure yours is up speed in plenty of time.