Posted on 22 10 2024

Healthy Homes Compliance: What Every Landlord Needs to Know Before 2025

As a landlord in New Zealand, you are legally required to ensure your rental property complies with the Healthy Homes Standards by July 1, 2025. These standards are designed to improve the quality of rental homes, ensuring they are warm, dry, and healthy for tenants. Failing to meet these requirements can result in severe financial penalties. Here's what you need to know to stay compliant.

What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?

The Healthy Homes Standards cover five key areas:

• Insulation – Ceiling and underfloor insulation are required to retain heat.

• Heating – Properties must have a fixed heater capable of heating the main living area to at least 18°C.

• Ventilation – Ventilation is required in all rooms, especially kitchens and bathrooms, to reduce moisture and mould.

• Moisture and Drainage – Effective drainage and gutters are necessary to keep the property dry.

• Draught Stopping – All gaps and holes that cause noticeable draughts must be sealed.

Non-Compliance Penalties

The final compliance deadline for all rental properties is July 1, 2025. After this date, landlords face significant penalties if their properties do not meet the Healthy Homes Standards:

• Financial Penalties: Landlords can be fined up to $7,200 for each breach. Multiple breaches, such as not complying with insulation, heating, and ventilation requirements, could result in even higher fines.

• Tenancy Tribunal Orders: Tenants can take their landlords to the Tenancy Tribunal if they believe the property does not meet the standards. This could result in a formal order to make the necessary improvements and compensation payments to tenants.

• Damage to Reputation: In addition to fines, non-compliance can hurt your reputation as a landlord. Tenants are increasingly aware of their rights, and poor reviews or legal disputes can make it harder to attract future renters.

How to Ensure Compliance

Staying compliant with the Healthy Homes Standards is crucial, and the best way to avoid penalties is by being proactive:

• Conduct a Healthy Homes Assessment: Have your property professionally assessed to check whether it meets the insulation, heating, and ventilation standards. GreenSide Energy Solutions offers free home assessments to help landlords understand where they stand and what improvements are needed.

• Make Necessary Upgrades: If your property doesn't meet the standards, schedule the required upgrades as soon as possible. Whether improving insulation or installing a compliant heating system, acting now helps you avoid last-minute rushes before the 2025 deadline.

• Keep Records: Keep all relevant documentation, including receipts and certificates for insulation, heating installations, and ventilation work. These records can be invaluable if there are any tenant disputes.

How GreenSide Energy Solutions Can Help

Book your Healthy Homes assessment and we'll check everything -providing clear guidance on what's needed to avoid penalties and keep your tenants healthy and comfortable.