Require independent Healthy Homes certification and regular compliance audits

What is this about?

This petition asks the government to change how rental housing quality is checked. Currently, landlords in New Zealand must meet the Healthy Homes Standards, which require homes to be warm, dry, well ventilated, and free from mould. However, the system relies on self-compliance, meaning landlords declare their own homes meet the rules. The petitioners want independent certification, where a third-party inspector verifies the home, and regular compliance audits, where officials randomly check properties to ensure standards are being met over time.

Current Situation

The Healthy Homes Standards were introduced in 2019 to improve living conditions for tenants. According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), while many landlords have complied, enforcement has been limited. The government has acknowledged that the current self-declaration model may not catch all non-compliant homes. Recent reports indicate that damp and mould remain significant issues in the rental sector, contributing to health problems for tenants.

Arguments in Favour

• Health Benefits: Independent checks could more effectively identify mould and damp, reducing respiratory illnesses like asthma among tenants.
• Accountability: Third-party verification removes the conflict of interest inherent in landlords grading their own properties.
• Consistency: Regular audits would ensure standards are maintained over time, not just at the point of tenancy start.

Arguments Against

• Cost and Burden: Independent inspections would likely increase costs for landlords, which could be passed on to tenants through higher rent or reduced investment in the rental market.
• Administrative Load: Implementing a nationwide audit system would require significant government resources and could create long waiting times for inspections.
• Existing Protections: Critics argue that the current system, combined with the Tenancy Services’ ability to investigate complaints, is sufficient and that stricter rules may discourage people from renting out their properties.

Relevant Context

The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 is the primary law governing rental relationships in New Zealand. The Healthy Homes Standards are a specific set of requirements under this Act. The issue affects approximately 30% of New Zealand’s population who rent their homes. Recent parliamentary discussions have focused on balancing tenant health with the sustainability of the rental housing supply. The petition seeks to shift the enforcement model from reactive (fixing problems after complaints) to proactive (regular independent checks).

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