Less than half of New Zealand residential rentals are likely compliant with Healthy Homes Standards which came into
effect on 1 July, a company involved in the healthy homes sector believes.
Brandon Van Blerk, the CEO of healthy homes, work and learning spaces Kiwi start-up technology company Tether – which provides low cost indoor environmental sensors and software – said that the prevailing attitude of landlords
who have not complied is: "What is the minimum we have to do to comply? What are the fines? Will the tribunal be lenient
about a grace period?'
"The thing is, that kind of attitude will come back to bite landlords in the butt because insulation and installation
costs are going to double in the next few months. Coupled to that are the penalties you might face for non-compliance.
To delay is terrible economics.
"Unfortunately, an attitude that is more about ticking boxes, staying out of trouble and avoiding consequences doesn't
necessarily contribute to the health and wellbeing of the tenants."
Van Blerk said another emerging issue is that the healthy home standards will give birth to another 'meth testing'
fiasco with dozens of start-up 'businesses' purporting to support tenants and landlords achieve a healthy home.
"The meth testing companies can stop worrying because the Government has thrown them a lifeline with this new business
opportunity."
Van Blerk said that even complying with all of the Government's requirements, such as insulation, doesn't necessarily
make a healthy or comfortable home for tenants.
"To use the analogy of baking a cake. Having ingredients like flour, milk and butter doesn't make a cake. Having
insulation and heat pumps don't necessarily make a healthy home."
Van Blerk said that the most problem residential properties are likely to be found down south where the houses are old,
hard to repair and where conditions are particularly damp and cold.
"Achieving the 18-degree Celsius standard in the living room will be difficult and costly. That's a problem because
rents aren't huge in these areas, so many landlords aren't wallowing in cash to be able to make these changes.
"This also raises the question of how to prove your living room is capable of being heated to the 18 degrees Celsius
standard? Without employing accurate technology, it becomes a case of the landlord's word against the tenant, and
probably in most instances, the landlord will be held liable."
1. Delay, and you'll pay double
Van Blerk said landlords should not delay meeting Government standards for healthy homes because prices on items like
insulation and heating will rise due to stock pressure and the costs of installation services will increase due to
demand pressure.
"These things may not make your house healthier for tenants because the living space is a complex environment, but you
are required by law to get them done. Do it before suppliers can take advantage of you due to demand. It's basic
economics and landlords who delay will be on the receiving end."
2. Know your rights
"If you are a landlord, don't leave yourself in the hands of your suppliers, tenants and the Tenancy Tribunal. Educate
yourself on what you are required to do, and by when. Study up on the penalties and know your rights."
3. Treat your tenant as a customer
Van Blerk said that landlords should not adopt an 'arm's length' relationship with tenants because that is
counter-productive.
"Get to know your tenants and develop a business relationship with them. Treat them as your customer and act with
professionalism. They will be more likely to want to work with you to resolve differences and may even be prepared to
cut you some slack if you show that you have their best interests at heart."
For more information visit: https://www.tetherme.io/