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After a super busy January and February – we now find ourselves into March and well into the year with all matters property related.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87JV7dT7wk8

 

Many of you will now be familiar with the Healthy Homes Bill that was just released a week or so ago – this is not as elaborate as predicted and all in all it has been positively received, with many landlords not having to do too much additional work to their property(ies) by July 2021 in order to comply.

For those of you that may have missed this – see below a helpful summary:

 

The Healthy Homes Standards:

Standard – Required Standard

  • Heating: There must be fixed heating devices, capable of achieving a minimum temperature of at least 18 degrees in the living room only. Some heating devices are inefficient, unaffordable or unhealthy and will not meet the requirements under the heating standard.
  • Insulation: The minimum level of ceiling and underfloor insulation must either meet the 2008 building code, or (for existing ceiling insulation) have a minimum thickness of 120mm.
  • Ventilation: Must include openable windows in the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. Also an appropriately sized extractor fan(s) in rooms with a bath or shower or indoor cooktop.
  • 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.
  • Draught 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.

 

Compliance timeframes: 1 July 2021 – From this date, private landlords must ensure that their rental properties comply with the healthy home standards within 90 days of any new tenancy. 1 July 2021 – All boarding houses must comply with the healthy homes standards. 1 July 2023 – All housing New Zealand and registered Community Housing Provider houses must comply with the healthy homes standards. 1 July 2024 – All rental homes must comply with the healthy homes standards.

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