Landlords across New Zealand, who collectively own more than 600,000 rental properties, have now adapted to the Healthy Home Standards, with full compliance due prior to July 1 this year.

 Most landlords would never dream of renting out a property that was substandard and most were largely in compliance with the new standards on heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage and draught obstructing.

 Proud landlords know keeping their properties warm and dry and free of nasties such as mould makes their rentals more desirable, protects their investment and helps reduce long-term maintenance costs.

 Having done the right thing and made sure their properties met the standards earlier this year, the new challenge is making sure they stay that way.  Here are some simple tips to keep your rental property up to scratch.

 At the beginning of a tenancy

• Make sure you include an up-to-date healthy homes standards compliance statement in the tenancy agreement. Tenancy Services provides a compliance statement template which can be accessed here.
• It is also important to maintain proof of compliance (invoices for equipment, heating assessment reports, insulation certificates and photographs etc.) as these must be provided if requested.

• Show your tenants how to use and keep heaters and extractor fans clean and tidy. This could involve showing tenants which screens and filters need to be regularly cleaned, ensuring that external unit performance is not impacted by encroaching garden and reminding tenants to contact you as soon as possible with any maintenance or repair issues.

 During regular inspections and at the end of the tenancy:

• Check that the heater and ventilation system are in good working order, that all rooms have easily openable windows and that the insulation is in good condition, with no holes or gaps.
• Check the gutters, downpipes and drains are still doing the job.
• If the property has an enclosed subfloor, check the ground moisture barrier is still in good condition.
• Be sure to ask the tenants if they’ve noticed any new draughts.
• Check any seals or barriers that need to be maintained to ensure they prevent any draughts entering the property.
• Plan any work that needs to be done to maintain the standards as soon as you can.
• Only use qualified tradesman and keep your tenant updated on the plan.
• If unsure get a professional Healthy Home Standards assessment.

 Whether you want to rent, buy or sell a property, don’t hesitate to contact your local Raine & Horne office.