Healthy Homes now law

The Bill, which was introduced into Parliament by former Labour leader Andrew Little last term, was passed with 63 votes to 57, with the support of Labour, the Greens and NZ First.

It will enable the government to establish minimum standards for insulation, heating, ventilation, draught stopping, drainage and moisture in all rental properties.

While the requirements of the standards are not specified in the legislation, the government aims to have the standards set with in the next 18 months. 

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Phil Twyford says that every New Zealander deserves a warm, healthy home to live in and the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act will help ensure that.