Healthy Homes & Compliance
At Riverslea, we take our role in compliance seriously. The Healthy Homes Standards are not just a legal requirement; they are a commitment to providing warm, dry, and safe houses for tenants, while protecting the long-term value of your investment property.
The Healthy Homes Standards
01. Heating
Landlords must provide one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius. The heating must be efficient and affordable to run.
02. Insulation
Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet specific R-value ratings. Robust insulation reduces heat loss and helps maintain a healthy, dry environment for tenants throughout the year.
03. Ventilation
Rooms must have openable windows, and kitchens and bathrooms must have appropriately vented extractor fans to remove moisture and improve air quality.
04. Moisture & Drainage
Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water and ground water. A ground moisture barrier must be installed in most cases where there is a suspended floor.
05. Draught Stopping
Landlords must ensure the property does not have unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause noticeable draughts. All unused fireplaces must be closed or blocked.
Smoke Alarm Requirements for Rentals
Smoke alarms are a legal requirement in all New Zealand rental properties. The guidelines below summarise what is required from both owners and tenants.
- Location: At least one working smoke alarm must be installed within 3 metres of each bedroom door, in every sleeping space, and on every level of a multi-storey home.
- Alarm type: All new or replacement alarms must be photoelectric with a long-life (8–10+ year) battery, or be hard‑wired to the mains.
- Where it applies: These requirements apply to all rental properties, including houses, units, sleep‑outs, caravans and boarding houses.
- Owner responsibilities: Ensure alarms are installed in the correct locations, are working at the start of each tenancy, and are replaced before their expiry date. For long‑life units, owners are responsible for any battery replacement.
- Tenant responsibilities: Do not remove, damage or disconnect smoke alarms. For older, non‑long‑life models, tenants may be required to replace standard batteries during the tenancy and must report any damaged or non‑working alarms to the owner or property manager.
- Penalties: Non‑compliance can result in significant penalties. Owners may be fined for failing to meet smoke alarm obligations, and tenants can be fined for tampering with alarms.
- Good practice: Test alarms monthly using the test button to confirm they are working as intended.
Managing Healthy Homes & Legislation
We coordinate all aspects of the Healthy Homes Standards, smoke alarms, and insurance requirements, ensuring your property remains fully compliant and your tenants safe. From the initial inspection to the final certificate, we handle the ongoing monitoring and professional reporting required for your peace of mind.
Owner Responsibilities & Compliance Settings
While our systems automate most compliance tracking, certain legal obligations remain the direct responsibility of the property owner to ensure protection and validity.
- Providing current insurance statements and policy details for every new tenancy agreement.
- Ensuring annual smoke alarm servicing and chimney cleaning are completed by certified specialist technicians.
- Providing accurate Healthy Homes compliance statements for any property entering the rental market.
- Communicating any previous legal orders or specific maintenance history relevant to the property's fitness.