Healthy homes standards are an important component of creating an environment that is safe, comfortable and healthy for everyone. These standards are designed to improve air quality, reduce moisture and mould, and provide safe and sanitary housing conditions.
In this article, we will provide an overview of healthy homes standards, as well as discuss the benefits of meeting these standards. We will also provide some tips on how to ensure that your home meets these standards. By following these standards, you can help create a healthier home for your rental property.
What are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of minimum requirements for rental homes in New Zealand, which cover heating, insulation, ventilation, draught-stopping, and moisture control. The standards were introduced by the government in July 2019 as part of a package of measures to improve the quality of rental housing in the country.
The first part of the standards requires landlords to ensure that their rental properties are warm and dry, which is achieved by meeting certain requirements. These include having an efficient heating system such as a heat pump, adequate insulation in the ceiling, walls and floors, and ensuring that the property is draught-proofed and free of moisture.
In addition, the standards also require landlords to provide adequate ventilation in the property, which is achieved through the installation of extractor fans, trickle vents, and/or opening windows. This helps to reduce the levels of condensation and mould, which can be harmful to tenants’ health.
Finally, the standards also require landlords to provide tenants with specific information about the property, such as the location of the smoke alarms and the appropriate action to take in the event of a fire. This is to ensure that tenants are aware of the risks and how to respond in an emergency.
Overall, the Healthy Homes Standards are an important step towards improving the quality of rental housing in New Zealand. By providing tenants with warm and dry homes, landlords can help to improve the health of their tenants, while also reducing the risk of costly damage to their property.
How to Ensure that Your Rental Property Meets the Healthy Homes Standards
If you are a landlord, here are some steps you can take to make sure your rental property meets the Healthy Homes Standards:
Analyse the Property’s Current Condition
The first step to ensuring that your rental property meets the Healthy Homes Standards is to analyse the property’s current condition. Take note of any signs of disrepair or areas that could be improved. Make a list of these areas so that you can address them further down the line.
Make a List of Areas That Need Improvement
Once you have identified the areas that need improvement, make a list of them and research the best solutions to each problem. This list can help you determine the necessary repairs and renovations that need to be carried out in order to meet the standards.
Carry Out the Recommended Repairs or Renovations
Once you have identified the necessary repairs and renovations that need to be carried out, it is important to ensure that they are completed to a high standard. This will help guarantee that your rental property meets the Healthy Homes Standards.
Have the Property Inspected
Once you have completed the necessary repairs and renovations, it is important to have the property inspected. An inspector will be able to check that the property meets the standards and identify any areas that still need to be addressed.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best way to ensure that your rental property meets the healthy homes standards is to proactively seek out information about the standards, familiarise yourself with the requirements, and then inspect the property to confirm that it meets or exceeds the standards.
In addition, it’s important to regularly inspect the property and make any necessary upgrades or repairs to ensure that it continues to meet the standards. Taking these steps will help you ensure that your rental property is safe and healthy for your tenants.
Contact McClelland Refrigeration
Make sure you get professional advice before having a heat pump installed.
