The new healthy homes standards introduced by the government became law in July 2019 and determine how a rental property should be heated. It’s crucial that all landlords understand the law and know what to do – and as Auckland’s experts in heating properties, we are here to help.
The standards will help to improve the quality of rental properties and provide tenants with safer, healthier homes.
Nearly 600,000 homes in New Zealand are rented and research has shown that the quality of rental housing is poorer than owner occupied homes.
If you are a landlord, you are responsible for maintaining your property to the new standards and so it’s essential you know what you need to do!
Full details of the standards can be found on the government website Healthy Homes but we can help you to understand what you need to do when it comes to heating your rental properties.
The heating standard for rental properties
The new standards determine that landlords have a responsibility to provide safe, working heating for their rental property and that this must be able to maintain heat in the main living area of at least 18 degrees celsius.
There must be a fixed heater that can directly heat the main living area
The important thing to note here is that the main living area must be able to be heated to a temperature of at least 18 degrees.
There must be at least one fixed heater, more if required to deliver the minimum heat requirements.
The heater must be fixed and at least 1.5kW in terms of heating capacity.
The heater must not be an open fire
Compliant types of heater include heat pumps, wood burner or a fluid gas heater. Open fires are not compliant and electric heaters (except heat pumps) can only be used in rooms where the required capacity is less than 2.4 kW.
Temperature control is key as is location of the heater
If you use a heat pump, it must have a thermostat. Being able to maintain a comfortable and healthy temperature is a key goal for the standard.
Heat Pumps are the safe, economical and easy way to comply
Installing a heat pump into your rental property is a simple and easy way to ensure your property complies with the new healthy homes standards. Our range of Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps features models that are economical to install and run and will ensure that your property is heated with modern standards, adding value as well as ensuring you are compliant.
How to find out what size heat pump you need?
It’s most important to choose a heat pump with the right capacity to heat your property for the comfort of your tenants and also to ensure you can comply with the healthy homes law.
Heat and Cool offers a range of heat pump solutions including traditional wall-mounted designs (high wall heat pumps), multi-room systems or floor-mounted systems which are discreet and ideal for replacing older heating systems such as fireplace and night storage heaters.
Ask the Heat Pump Experts
Heat and Cool are Auckland’s leading Mitsubishi partner so you can be confident in our high standards and service. We have over 25 years of experience and are an Kiwi, family owned business known for excellence in our service.
At Heat and Cool, we offer no-obligation quotes to help you select the best possible heat pump system for your home. Every home is different, so it’s always wise to ask the experts for help in choosing the right heat pump to meet your needs!
Once you’ve selected the right heat pump, our professional team will get to work on your hassle-free heat pump installation, instantly upgrading your property to make it warmer and more comfortable in winter for your tenants and compliant with the new law.
So why wait? Get in touch with our team of experts today!
