Healthy Homes Standards
The healthy homes standards were introduced on the 1st of July 2019, and now landlords have increased responsibilities to their tenants.
Private rentals have around two years from the date of legislation to be compliant (in most cases). Any new or renewed tenancy after 1st July 2021 will need to meet the healthy homes standards. Long-term tenancies that won’t otherwise renew will have until 1st July 2024. Boarding houses have only the initial two-year period to become compliant.
Read more on the NZ Tenancy Services Healthy Homes Standards page.
Heating
Current tenants must be provided with a form of heating, which has previously meant something as simple as a cheap plug-in heater. Under the new laws, electric heaters might not cut it. The healthy homes standards require landlords to provide heating that can constantly keep the main living room at 18°C during the coldest time of the year.
Landlords are responsible for the maintenance of heaters and fireplaces. Chimneys especially need regular cleaning for safety reasons. Since open fireplaces are directly open to the sky, you’ll need to block it up unless the tenant asks for it to be usable
Read more on our Heat Pump page.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a key factor in the healthy homes standards. It can lessen the amount of moisture in a home, reduce mould, and make heating more efficient. Ventilation can have significant advantages for the longevity of your house, too.
As a landlord, you should consider installing a clothes-dryer that vents outside and a ventilation system that brings in air from outside. Tenants should be instructed to open windows and doors for fresh air, including in winter, especially when cooking or showering. Containing steam in bathrooms and venting bathroom air outside are positive ventilation measures. Landlords are responsible for the maintenance of ventilation systems.
Read more on our Damp and Moisture page.
Benefits for All
A warm, dry home can mean less illness for the tenants, less time off work and ultimately less missed rent. Respiratory illnesses, including asthma and more severe acute diseases, have been linked with living in a cold, damp home.
Tenants are more likely to stay on if their home is warm, dry, cheap to heat and comfortable. All the healthy homes improvements you make will increase the quality of your rental, making it more competitive on the market.
EECA Energywise’s buying and renting checklist can help you gauge the warmth and comfort of a home.
Smoke Alarms
A landlord must provide working smoke alarms for all rental properties for the duration of the tenancy.
You can read about the specific requirements, including location and number in the home, on the NZ Tenancy Services Smoke Alarms page.
Newly installed or replaced smoke alarms must be the ‘photoelectric’ type, with 8-year battery life (or be connected to mains).
K&M Electrical can supply high-quality, easy to install, compliant smoke alarms for all your rental needs. We also offer heat alarms, which can provide extra vigilance for your tenants and your property.
Digital Services
Landlords who install digital TV facilities on a rental property are responsible for the maintenance of cables, dishes etc. Landlords aren’t required to install it in the first place, however.
K&M Electrical is a family-run business with family values. We’re trusted by all our clients, and we operate with the utmost respect for both the tenants and owners of a property. If you have the need for a digital TV install, we’re the right choice.
Read about landlords’ and tenants’ responsibilities on the NZ Tenancy Services Digital Services page.
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If you’re looking for expert electrical services, our Tauranga electricians are a team of highly skilled professionals. We can provide you with a range of electrical services. K&M Electrical is based in Tauranga and offers our electrician services to the wider Bay of Plenty, Hamilton and Auckland. Discuss your job with Matt or one of our other friendly team members by calling 0800 020 097 now.
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