Phone 032 606 888
Phone 032 606 888
A healthy Home inspection involves the inspection of a dwelling for compliance of the following areas-
a) Ventilation & Extractors b) Insulation c) Draught Stopping d) Drainage & Moisture Ingress e) Heating
What does the Healthy Homes standard require? The Healthy Homes standards includes 5 categories:
Ventilation & Extraction: Ventilation must include openable windows in each habitable space. The windows must comprise at least 5% of the floor area of that space. An appropriately sized extraction fan or rangehood must be installed in rooms with a bath or shower or indoor cooktop.
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 and be in reasonable condition with no dampness, damage, or displacement.
Draught Stopping: Any gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause unreasonable draughts must be remedied. This includes all unused open fireplaces and chimneys. Moisture Ingress and drainage: The standards reinforce the existing law which states that landlords must have adequate drainage and guttering. If a rental property has an enclosed subfloor space, it must have an on-ground moisture barrier, which will stop moisture rising into the home.
Drainage & Moisture Ingress
Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall. An outfall is the place where the water from drains empties out to
Heating: The main living room must have a fixed heating device that can heat the room to at least 18°C. The new regulations clarify the requirements for heating devices – some will not meet the requirements under the heating standard as they are inefficient, unaffordable, or unhealthy.
General Exemptions: There are some general exemptions that can apply to all these standards; they are quite specific and limited, and we recommend you take advice on whether your situation meets these tests. These can be found at https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/exemptions-to-the-healthy-homes-standards/
Timeline: 1 July 2019 | Landlords must sign a statement of intent to comply with the healthy home’s standards in any new, varied or renewed tenancy agreement.
1 Dec 2020 | Landlords must sign a statement of their current level of compliance with the healthy home’s standards in any new, varied, or renewed tenancy agreement.
1 July 2021| Landlords must ensure that all rental homes comply with the Standards within 90 days of any new, or renewed tenancy.
1 July 2024| All rental homes must comply with the Standards, regardless of when the tenancy began.
Book a healthy home inspection with House Test today.
