The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill aims to make homes warmer, drier and safer for the 450,000 New Zealand households who live in rental accommodation. Currently the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) requires landlords to keep their properties in a reasonable state of cleanliness and repair. Landlords must also comply with the specific standards in the Housing Improvement Regulations which detail minimum standards like ventilation and the provision of cooking facilities. However, these standards are outdated and do not go far enough to protect the health and safety of those who live in rental accommodation. In 2013, the Government trialed a rental housing Warrant of Fitness for Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC) properties. Following this trial the Government refined the standards to focus on smoke alarms and insulation. The key objectives of the proposed minimum requirements are to:
- reduce fire-related fatalities and injuries in residential rental properties
- make residential rental properties warmer, drier and easier to heat