Healthy Home Standards
Heartland Insulation Group
The Government’s new Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) state that owners of older rental homes with long-term tenants have until July 1 2024, to bring their properties up to scratch and comply with the HHS. A new tenancy starting after July 1 2021, means the rental property must comply with the standards even sooner – within 90 days of the new tenant moving in.
The consequences can be serious for landlords failing to meet the deadline; the Tenancy Tribunal can issue a work order to force landlords to bring their properties up to HHS compliance. They may also impose financial penalties of up to $4,000 for any affected tenants. That’s a hefty sum. What’s more, the requirements – and cost – to get homes up to scratch can feel rather daunting.
What are the standards and requirements to comply with Healthy Home Standards?
Here’s a list of required standards and requirements for you to be compliant with HHS:
- Ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets NZS4246.
- Ground Moisture Barrier installed that meets NZS4246.
- Correct fixed heating devices installed in the living rooms, which can warm the rooms up to 18 degrees.
- Extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom installed to the correct specifications
- No draughts around doors, windows or anywhere else in your house.
- Good moisture drainage, i.e. removal of stormwater (guttering), surface water and groundwater
To start, landlords must adhere to the Residential Tenancies Act. This requires rental properties to have ceiling and underfloor insulation at least 70mm thick and in good condition as of July 1 2019. In addition, HHS states that insulation in all rental properties should be at least 120mm thick (by July 1 2024, for existing ceiling insulation or after July 1 2021, for new tenancies). They should also meet the 2008 Building Code, which outlines a home’s energy efficiency requirements, depending on their location and climate zone in New Zealand.
Properties might comply under the Residential Tenancies Act with ceiling and underfloor insulation; however, they may not be compliant under HHS, and an upgrade will still be needed. Fortunately for most owners of rental properties, the standards are relatively easy to meet and don’t have to cost a fortune.
If you’re renovating an older rental home, a range of insulation options is available. This includes environmentally friendly (and cost-effective) Knauf Earthwool glasswool, Mammoth polyester and Autex Greenstuff polyester.
Affordable, energy-efficient insulation that meets the 2008 Building Code and is straightforward to install is critical. That’s why you should take a closer look at Earthwool glasswool. This sustainable product boasts excellent thermal and acoustic performance; it keeps homes warm in winter and cool in summer and reduces the noise level travelling through the house.
Healthy Homes Standards require rental properties with suspended floors, where the subfloor space is enclosed, must have a ground moisture barrier unless it isn’t reasonably practicable to install one. Again, we can help you with this.
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Heartland Insulation Group keeps Kiwi's all over warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and more comfortable all year round.
We are the South Island’s leading insulation and double glazing installer. Based in Geraldine and with thousands of happy customers all over the South Island, we can also put a smile on your face, thanks to New Zealand’s most professional installation and the world’s best insulation and double glazing products.
Whether it's a big project or a smaller job, we always find the best insulation solution for every home and business. Our insulation and double glazing enhance heat conservation and temperature control throughout the year. A big bonus with double glazing, too – a quieter home.
- Retrofit insulation for ceilings, walls and underfloor.
- Insulation and double glazing for existing homes and new builds.
- Remove old and sub-standard insulation and foil