The 1 July Healthy Homes deadline has come and gone – and for tenants across Aotearoa, that’s something to celebrate. From this point on, every rental property must meet clear standards for warmth, ventilation and moisture control, so homes are healthier and safer to live in.

These standards focus on five key areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, keeping water out and stopping draughts. It means your place should now be easier to heat, less prone to damp and, if something does go wrong, it needs to be fixed.

It also spells out where the responsibility lies. Landlords are required to make sure properties meet these standards and stay that way. As a tenant, your part is to use the heating and ventilation provided, keep the place aired out and let your property manager know quickly if anything stops working as it should.

If something isn’t right - like a heater that doesn’t work, persistently damp windows, mould developing or a draught you can’t seal - please contact your property manager straight away. They are your first port of call to organise repairs or check the situation. Open communication means issues can be sorted quickly, so your rental stays safe, warm and comfortable.

And looking ahead, there’s another change on the way later this year: new rules are expected to make it harder for landlords to refuse pets without a valid reason. For many renters who’ve been hoping to add a furry (or feathered) companion to the household, this could open the door. We’ll keep you posted as the details are confirmed.