healthy homes standard (hhs)
The healthy homes standards introduce specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties.
Between 1 July 2021 and 1 July 2025, all private rentals must comply with the healthy homes standards within certain timeframes from the start of any new, or renewed, tenancy.
The healthy homes standards became law on 1 July 2019.
Upcoming Healthy Homes Standards
The healthy homes standards include new requirements for insulation, which will take effect from 1 July 2021 for some rental properties, with all rental properties to comply by 1 July 2024.
The Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) increases the minimum requirements for existing insulation in rental properties. This means that some rental homes that did not require new insulation under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) 2016 standards may now require a ceiling insulation upgrade or new underfloor insulation.
All private rentals need to comply within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancies after 1 July 2021. We recommend complying with the Healthy Homes Standards now so that you can stay stress-free when the deadline comes.
healthy homes standard guide
Ceiling Insulation Existing
Ceiling insulation must be at least 120mm thick in all areas, except for where safety clearances are required. It needs to be in reasonable condition. If a home has less than 120mm of ceiling insulation, then this must be topped up to meet the minimum R-value requirements in the table above.
Mandatory ground moisture barrier for enclosed subfloor cavity
If the subfloor space is enclosed and accessible, it is mandatory to install a ground moisture barrier under the Healthy Homes Standards for moisture ingress and drainage . The other requirements are efficient drainage for removal of surface/ground water and gutters, downpipes and drains for removal of roof water.
Underfloor Insulation Existing
Insulation should have minimum R-value of 1.3 and must be in reasonable condition. R-value can be determined by using existing records or through assessment by an insulation professional.
Domestic living spaces with suspended floors must have underfloor insulation
Foil needs to be replaced with new underfloor insulation (not foil) where foil is not in reasonable condition or it does not meet the criteria for exemption (the home owner needs to provide a copy of a compliance document for exemption).
Want to read more? Check the Tenancy Service website or the HHS Insulation Guide
Sourced From: Pink Batts NZ