Plumber Wellington: Make Rental Properties Healthy Homes Standards Compliant
Plumber Wellington: Make Rental Properties Healthy Homes Standards Compliant
Making rental properties compliant with New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) is essential for landlords who want to provide safe, warm, and energy-efficient homes for tenants.
At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we help landlords meet these legal obligations while improving the comfort and health of rental properties.
With approximately 600,000 households renting across the country, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development introduced the Healthy Homes Standards to address long-standing issues in rental housing quality. Many rental homes have lagged behind owner-occupied homes in terms of insulation, heating, ventilation, and overall condition. These new regulations ensure rental homes are healthier and safer for occupants, particularly during New Zealand's colder months.
What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards cover five critical areas that must meet specific minimum requirements:
1. Heating
Landlords must install a fixed heating device in the main living room. The unit must be capable of maintaining a temperature of at least 18°C, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Inefficient heating devices, such as some unflued gas heaters or open fires, no longer meet the criteria.
2. Insulation
Ceiling and underfloor insulation must comply with the 2008 Building Code or have a minimum thickness of 120mm. Proper insulation helps reduce heat loss, lowers energy bills for tenants, and improves indoor comfort year-round.
3. Ventilation
Living spaces and bedrooms must have openable windows, while kitchens and bathrooms need appropriately sized and working extractor fans. Adequate ventilation reduces moisture, prevents mould growth, and contributes to a healthier living environment.
4. Moisture Ingress and Drainage
Rental properties must have effective drainage systems, including functional gutters, downpipes, and drains. For enclosed subfloor spaces, ground moisture barriers are required to prevent dampness from affecting the home.
5. Draught Stopping
All unnecessary gaps or holes in walls, floors, ceilings, windows, or doors must be sealed. Unused chimneys and fireplaces should be blocked to eliminate draughts and improve heating efficiency.
Compliance Made Easy with Laser Plumbing Wellington East
Our team provides comprehensive assessments and upgrades to help landlords meet the Healthy Homes Standards quickly and effectively. Whether you need insulation installed, heating systems upgraded, or moisture barriers added, we have the expertise and tools to get your property up to code.
Don’t wait until your property falls out of compliance. Contact Laser Plumbing Wellington East today to book a Healthy Homes compliance check and ensure your rental property meets all required standards. Investing in a healthier home now can reduce maintenance costs, attract quality tenants, and protect your rental income long-term.