A proposal calling for a ‘warrant of fitness’ for rental properties has found support in the private sector.
Home ventilation system company HRV says should the proposal go ahead, it would be happy to assist.
Yesterday Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith called for minimum standards for rental properties, focusing on insulation.
Dr Smith said he wishes to investigate the feasibility of imposing a minimum standard for rental properties.
His comments came after a recommendation last year by an expert advisory group on child poverty that found that 70 percent of children living in poverty did so in rental housing.
The study – led by Children’s Commissioner Russell Willis – stated that the majority of the poverty-related illnesses, such as respiratory infections, could be reduced by making houses warmer and dryer.
HRV says it is available to help the Government with assessing the ventilation, heating and insulation needs of houses around the country.
“We believe the key is to help landlords by educating and incentivising them to make a change,” the company said in a statement.
“We are confident that, with the support of the Government, we have the capability and resource to effectively educate this segment of the market for the greater good.”
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