Healthy Homes is Here – What Happens if You’re Not Compliant?

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All Private Residential Properties Must Now Comply

All private residential properties must now comply with the full list of regulations for the Healthy Home Standards within 120 days of any new, or renewed, tenancy. But what happens if you’re not compliant? We take a look at the penalties, the benefits of complying and what you can do to get up to Standard quickly.

What Happens if You’re Not Compliant with the Healthy Homes Standards?

From 1 July 2021, all private residential properties are required to comply with the full list of Healthy Homes regulations within 120 days of any new, or renewed, tenancy. By July 2024 all rental homes must comply with the Standards, regardless of when the tenancy began.

If a tenant believes their landlord hasn't complied with the Standards, they can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a mediation and/or hearing.

The Tenancy Tribunal has the ability to order a landlord to undertake work and impose a financial penalty of up to $4,000 that is normally payable to the tenant.

Read more about Healthy Homes Standards and its requirements at our Healthy Homes Hub.

Benefits of Complying

The Healthy Homes Standards have been brought in to increase the quality of rental homes. Providing a compliant property has huge advantages for landlords and tenants alike. Compliance is mandatory and if properties are not brought up to Standard not only are landlords liable for large fines, but the Tenancy Tribunal will order landlords to remedy quickly.

It is easy for landlords who choose not to comply to be found out. If a landlord is taken to the Tenancy Tribunal for an unrelated matter the Tribunal will still check whether the property is complying with the Healthy Homes Standards. The Bond Centre also runs checks to determine whether Compliance Statements have been received.

How to Get Compliant

Don’t panic if your property isn’t compliant, just get the process of getting up to Standard started. A good first step is to organise to have a Healthy Homes assessment conducted; this will guide you on any work that needs to be completed in order for your property to comply.

For general advice on the NZ Healthy Homes Standards and help on ensuring your property gets up to Standard, contact the Crockers Property Team today on pm@crockers.co.nz or chat on 09 623 5952.

Read more about Healthy Homes Standards and its requirements at our Healthy Homes Hub.