The Healthy Homes Standards became law on 1 July 2019. It introduces specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping.

From 1 July 2021, landlords must ensure the rental properties comply with the Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of the new tenancy.

Heating. Rental properties must have fixed heating devices in living rooms which can warm rooms to a minimum 18°C.

Insulation. Rental properties must have ceiling and underfloor insulation which either meets the 2008 Building Code or for existing ceiling insulation is at least 120mm thick. Landlords who don’t have the correct insulation installed, and don’t meet the criteria for an exception, are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act. They may be liable for exemplary damages of up to $4,000.

Ventilation. Rental properties must have the right size extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchen.

Moisture and drainage. Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of stormwater, surface water, and groundwater, including an appropriate outfall. The drainage system must include gutters, downpipes, and drains for the removal of water from the roof.

If the rental property has an enclosed subfloor, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Draught-stopping. Landlords must make sure the property doesn’t have unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, skylights, floors, and doors which cause noticeable draughts. All unused open fireplaces closed off or their chimneys must be blocked to prevent draughts. Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses and can make it more expensive for a tenant to heat their home.

HHS Landlord Deadline
By 1 July 2019: Insulation must meet the standards set in 2016.
From 1 July 2019: any new, varied Tenancy Agreements to include the declaration of intention to comply with the 5 Healthy Homes Standards.
From 1 July 2020: Any new, varied or renewed Tenancy Agreements must include information on current levels of 5 Healthy Homes Standards.
From 1 July 2021: Rentals must comply with all the new Standards within 90 days from entering any new or renewed Tenancy Agreements.
By 1 July 2024: All rental properties must be complying with the 5 Healthy Homes Standards.

Sunrise property managers are responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of your rental properties. Affordable HHS solutions are ready for your rental properties.

Landlords should make sure your rental properties are insured. When an accident occurs, the house insurance is essential to reduce economic loss.

Landlords must provide insurance information in any new tenancy agreement, including whether or not the property is insured, and the excess amount of any relevant policies.

Many insurance companies provide house insurance that is for the property itself. In most clauses, the insurance covers the damage caused by accident or house itself.

In addition to house insurance, many insurance companies provide landlord insurance. This type of insurance can protect landlords’ rights and interests. Landlords can claim things like damage caused by tenants, rent arrears, etc.

It is best to check with your insurers to ensure you purchase the right protection for your investment.

Landlords must ensure smoke alarms are working at the start of each new tenancy and remain in working order during the tenancy. The smoke alarm must be photoelectric and have a long battery life, or be hardwired.

Smoke alarms must be installed:

• within 3 meters of each bedroom door, or in every room where a person sleeps
• in each level or story of a multi-story or multi-level home
• in all rental homes, boarding houses, rental caravans, and self-contained sleep-outs.

Landlords must ensure smoke alarms:

• are working at the start of each new tenancy
• remain in working order during the tenancy

Tenants must:

• not damage, remove or disconnect a smoke alarm
• replace dead batteries during the tenancy if there are older-style smoke alarms with replaceable batteries
• let the landlord know if there are any problems with the smoke alarms as soon as possible.