Understanding the Healthy Homes Standard NZ: A Detailed Guide
New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards were introduced to ensure rental properties provide safe, warm, and dry living conditions. By law, all rental homes must be complying with these standards by July 2024. Below, we dive into each standard in more detail, including the specific requirements for insulation, heating, ventilation, moisture ingress, and drainage.
Insulation Standard
Insulation is vital for maintaining a stable indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. The Healthy Homes Insulation Standard specifies minimum R-values, which measure the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. These values vary based on the climate zone where the property is located:
– Zone 1 & 2 (North Island, except for the Central Plateau): Ceiling insulation must have an R-value of at least 2.9 and underfloor insulation must have an R-value of at least 1.3.
– Zone 3 (South Island and Central Plateau): Ceiling insulation must have an R-value of at least 3.3, and underfloor insulation must have an R-value of at least 1.3.
If the insulation was installed after July 1, 2016, and meets the above minimums, it is compliant. However, if insulation is older or damaged, it may need to be replaced to meet the required thickness and R-values.
For full details, visit Tenancy Services Insulation Standard
Heating Standard
The Heating Standard focuses on ensuring that the main living room of a rental property has a fixed heating device capable of maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 18°C. The required heating capacity is determined by a formula based on the size of the living room. Common compliant heating systems include heat pumps, wood burners, or flued gas heaters. Open fires and unflued gas heaters are not permitted.
For homes in colder regions such as Zone 3 (the Central Plateau and South Island), larger or additional heating devices may be required due to the colder climate.
You can calculate the heating capacity required for your home using the Tenancy Services Heating Assessment Tool
Ventilation Standard
To reduce moisture and improve air quality, the Ventilation Standard requires that all habitable spaces, such as bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens, must have at least one window, door, or skylight that opens to the outside, with an area equal to 5% of the floor area of that room.
In addition to natural ventilation, extractor fans are mandatory in kitchens and bathrooms to control moisture buildup. The fan in the kitchen must have a minimum exhaust capacity of 150m³ per hour, and in bathrooms, it must be capable of extracting at least 120m³ per hour.
More information can be found at Tenancy Services Ventilation Standard.
Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard
The Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard ensures rental properties are protected from excessive moisture entering the home. This includes effective drainage systems such as gutters, downpipes, and drains, ensuring that rainwater is diverted away from the property. Properties with subfloors must have a moisture barrier installed unless the house is exempt due to ground conditions.
Learn more at Tenancy Services Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard.
What Landlords Need to Know
Landlords are legally required to ensure their properties comply with the Healthy Homes Standards by July 2024. This includes completing a Healthy Homes Compliance Statement that outlines how each of the five standards is being met. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $7,200 per breach. Landlords should regularly inspect their properties and make any necessary upgrades to heating, insulation, ventilation, and drainage to avoid penalties.
To learn more about landlord responsibilities, visit the Landlord’s Guide.
What Tenants Need to Know
Tenants are entitled to live in a home that complies with the Healthy Homes Standards. By July 2024, tenants should have expected properties to meet all required insulation, heating, ventilation, and moisture control standards. Tenants should work with their landlords to ensure heating devices and extractor fans are used properly and report any issues regarding compliance. If a rental property does not meet the standards by the deadline, tenants can report this to Tenancy Services, and landlords may face enforcement action.
Find more information at Tenants’ Guide.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards are essential for creating warm, dry, and healthy rental homes. Understanding and complying with these standards—whether you are a landlord or a tenant—ensures better living conditions and legal compliance. To find out more, take a look here!