Healthy Homes Standards: Who Qualifies and What You Get

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of rules that ensure rental properties meet minimum requirements for warmth and moisture control. These regulations are designed to create healthier living environments for people living in the rental sector.

👤Who it's for

This scheme is for all rental property tenants. If you are living in a home that is managed by a landlord or a property manager, these standards are meant to protect your living conditions.

🎁What you get

As a tenant, you are entitled to a rental property that meets specific minimum requirements regarding the physical state of the home. These standards focus on three main areas: heating, insulation, and ventilation. By meeting these requirements, a property should provide a level of warmth and air quality that prevents the home from becoming excessively cold or damp.

💰What it costs you

It costs you nothing to access these protections. Under the current regulations, it is the legal responsibility of the landlord to ensure the property complies with the standards. You should not be charged for the maintenance or the upgrades required to bring a home up to these minimum levels.

⚠️The catch to know

The most important thing to remember is that these standards are not automatic in your experience; you may need to take action. If you find that your living space is consistently too cold or feels damp, you must check to see if your property actually meets these specific standards. Being aware of what your home should feel like is the first step in ensuring your rights are being upheld.

📝How to apply

1. Review your current tenancy agreement to understand your rights.
2. Observe your home closely to see if it meets the requirements for heating, insulation, and ventilation.
3. If your home is too cold or damp, contact your landlord or property manager to discuss the situation.
4. Visit the official portal for more information: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/