Changes to the healthy homes standards
Changes to the healthy homes standards took effect in May and November 2022.
About the healthy homes standards
The healthy homes standards became law on 1 July 2019.
Heating standard
Landlords must provide one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room. The heater(s) must be acceptable types, and must meet the minimum heating capacity required for your main living room.
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Insulation standard
Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. The healthy homes insulation standard builds on the current regulations and some existing insulation will need to be topped up or replaced.
Ventilation standard
Rental homes must have openable windows in the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans or an acceptable continuous mechanical ventilation system.
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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 must be closed off or their chimneys must be blocked to prevent draughts.
Exemptions to the healthy homes standards
In some situations a property may be exempt from complying with the healthy homes standards or parts of the standards.
Healthy homes compliance timeframes
Landlords and tenants should both understand these dates for complying with the healthy homes standards.
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Compliance statement
All new or renewed tenancy agreements must include specific information about the rental property’s current level of compliance with the healthy homes standards.