Upcoming Healthy Homes Standards for Rental Properties

2019 has been a year of big changes for landlords – with the compulsory new insulation standards taking effect this past July under the new Healthy Homes Guarantee Act; changes to insurance responsibilities for landlords; and the ongoing implementation of a raft of reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act.

We’ve been proud of the fact that all of our Point Properties met the new insulation standards well ahead of time – and we are confident in meeting the changes still to come.

There are four remaining standards still to be met in the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act:

• Heating standards – Landlords must provide one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room to a maintained temperature of at least 18 degrees Celsius.
• Ventilation standard– Rental homes must have openable windows in the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms must have externally vented extractor fans.
• Moisture ingress and drainage standard-Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. Rental properties with an enclosed sub-floor space must have a ground moisture barrier.
• Draught stopping standard– 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.

These new standards must be met in all rental properties by 1 July 2021.  In the new year all Point Property clients will be contacted by their property manager with our recommendations to ensure their property’s compliance.  We’ve been working hard to develop our Healthy Homes Assessment & Implementation program, to ensure properties meet standard and have the benefit of our special contract rates.

With limited contractors available, and a large number of landlords needing to meet these new standards – it’s wise to get in early on this and book your assessments.   Contact Point Property to find out more.

As new developments in legislation come to light we will ensure you are kept up to date with anything that affects you.

In the meantime if you have any queries contact Point – and read the latest News & Articles on our website.