In good health
Myriad benefits can be expected from the new Healthy Homes Standards. Rachael Cone of Total Realty in Christchurch explains.
With the deadline of 1 July 2025 for compliance with Healthy Homes Standards fast approaching, landlords nationwide are working hard to ensure their properties meet the requirements. It’s a busy time for everyone involved.
The Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations were established on 1 July 2019, and set out the minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control, drainage and draught prevention in all rental properties. Each has had various deadlines along the way that landlords have been required to meet.
The aim is to help tenants maintain warm and dry homes while also helping landlords save on long-term property maintenance by preventing issues such as damp and mould.
It is a timely reminder for us that property investment isn’t a passive venture, or a set-and-forget process. It requires strategic and proactive management and maintenance to protect your portfolio’s long-term value. While maintenance might sometimes feel like a financial burden, neglecting it can often lead to significantly higher costs in the long run. Small issues, if left unattended, can quickly escalate into expensive and sometimes extensive repairs.
One very key benefit of maintaining a well-kept property is that it will attract responsible tenants who are more likely to pay their rent on time, stay longer and take much better care of the property, as they appreciate the effort you have put into maintaining it. It creates a mutually beneficial relationship. Economically speaking, the costs associated with vacancies and the time spent finding new tenants can quickly exceed the investment required for repairs and keeping existing tenants happy.
At Total Realty, we frequently see high demand for well-maintained properties from both tenants and buyers. A well-kept investment property not only spends less time on the market when it comes time to sell but also commands a higher price, giving you a much better return on your investment.
Property maintenance is a strategy that offers savvy investors significant long-term benefits. By prioritising regular property maintenance, you can reduce repair costs, attract reliable tenants and achieve a better sales price in less time when you decide to sell.
If you’re considering selling and need some guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team across the South Island. Just remember that our commission is only 1.5 per cent for our full Total Realty real estate service. We sell, you save.
