For landlords in New Zealand, understanding and complying with the Healthy Homes Standard (HHS) isn't just about meeting regulatory requirements; it's about providing safe, warm, and dry homes for tenants while protecting your investment. Introduced to improve the quality of rental properties across the country, the HHS sets clear minimum standards that all rental properties must meet.
But what exactly does it entail, and how can you ensure your property aligns with these crucial regulations? Let's delve into the details.
The Healthy Homes Standard addresses five key areas to ensure rental properties are healthier and safer:
1. Heating: Rental homes must have a fixed heater capable of warming the main living area to at least 18°C.
2. Insulation: There are minimum requirements for ceiling and underfloor insulation to retain heat.
3. Ventilation: All habitable rooms must have openable windows and, crucially, kitchens and bathrooms require extractor fans to remove moisture.
4. Moisture Ingress and Drainage: Properties must have efficient drainage and guttering to prevent water from entering the home, and adequate subfloor moisture barriers where necessary.
5. Draught Stopping: Unnecessary gaps and holes in walls, ceilings, windows, and doors that cause draughts must be blocked.
Meeting these standards is essential for all rental properties. However, for those looking to invest in rental properties, purchasing a new build offers a significant advantage in ensuring compliance. New builds are constructed to modern building codes that often inherently meet or exceed many of the HHS requirements. This means less remedial work, fewer unexpected costs, and a quicker path to a compliant, attractive rental property. You gain peace of mind knowing your investment is future-proofed and ready for tenants from day one.
It's also important to note a common point of confusion: the difference between the Healthy Homes Standard and the Building Act. While the Building Act sets minimum safety and structural requirements for all new constructions the HHS goes further, specifically addressing the liveability and health aspects of rental homes. A property might be perfectly compliant with the Building Act yet still require upgrades to meet the more stringent heating, ventilation, or insulation standards of the HHS. This distinction is vital for landlords to understand, as merely meeting building codes doesn't automatically guarantee HHS compliance.
At Equiti, we understand the importance of secure, compliant, and attractive rental properties. That's why every property we represent is meticulously designed and constructed to not only meet but often exceed the Healthy Homes Standard. We take pride in offering homes that deliver peace of mind for both landlords and tenants. In fact, many of our new builds even come with a Healthy Homes compliance certificate upon settlement, offering tangible proof of adherence and streamlining your tenancy process.
Investing in a new build with us means investing in certainty. Ensure your rental property is a valuable asset, compliant with current regulations, and a welcoming home for your tenants. Explore our range of compliant new build properties today and build a secure foundation for your rental portfolio.
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