Healthy Homes Compliance: A Guide for Landlords

As the deadline of 1 July 2025 for Healthy Homes compliance approaches, landlords are racing against time to ensure their rental properties meet the standards. 

Why are the standards important?

The Healthy Homes Standards were introduced to improve rental property conditions aiming to make homes warmer, drier, and more energy efficient. These standards cover five key areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. In addition, warmer, drier homes can help reduce property damage and lower maintenance costs for landlords in the long run.

Getting up to standard

To avoid non-compliance, landlords are advised to quickly secure tradespeople early and bundle jobs to streamline the process and reduce costs. Balancing cost and quality is crucial in order to avoid future rework and maximize return on investment.

The cost of compliance work

The cost of compliance work varies depending on the property's condition. Small jobs are typically quoted under $1,000, whereas large jobs can exceed $2,000. Data from Builderscrack shows different cost buckets for completed work. Historical costs for common healthy homes-related jobs include insulation ($550-$8,500), heating ($500-$4,000), ventilation ($250-$2,200), moisture and drainage improvements ($430-$960), and draught stopping ($130-$4600).

Who should carry out the work? 

While landlords can complete some work themselves, qualified professionals must be employed for restricted work. Key tradespeople needed for compliance upgrades include insulation specialists, electricians, HVAC specialists, builders or handypeople, and plumbers and drainlayers. It's important to ask for a Code of Compliance certificate or Record of Work for any restricted building work.

Tips for finding reliable tradespeople

1. Research and recommendations: Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had similar work done. Online reviews and ratings can also provide valuable insights into the reliability and quality of tradespeople.
2. Check credentials: Ensure the tradespeople are licensed and have the necessary qualifications for the work required. Verify their credentials and check if they are registered with relevant trade associations.
3. Get multiple quotes: Obtain quotes from several tradespeople to compare prices and services. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you are getting a fair deal.
4. Ask for references: Request references from previous clients and follow up to ask about their experiences. Reliable tradespeople should have no problem providing references.
5. Written contracts: Always have a written contract that outlines the scope of work, timelines, and payment terms. This helps protect both parties and ensures clarity on expectations.
6. Communication: Good communication is key. Choose tradespeople who are responsive, transparent, and willing to answer your questions.

The time to make improvements is now 

With the final deadline getting closer, landlords should act now to avoid penalties and ensure their rental property is up to standard – and stays that way. Writing a detailed job description and stating expectations around timeframes is key to stress-free compliance work.