Could Healthy Homes Standards soon get even more robust? A new Member’s Bill says they should.
MP Helen White has introduced a Member’s Bill that would require landlords to provide insulated curtains, insulated blinds, or equivalent window coverings in rental properties where practicable.
The Bill would amend section 138B of the RTA, expanding the Healthy Homes Standards beyond insulation, heating, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping to include insulated window coverings.
The reasoning? The Bill says up to 30% of heat can be lost through uncovered windows, and argues warmer homes could reduce respiratory illness, particularly for children and older New Zealanders.
But before anyone starts ordering new curtains, it’s important to remember this is only a Member’s Bill. It is not law, and like many Member’s Bills, it still has a long parliamentary journey ahead before any changes could take effect and is still awaiting its First Reading.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on its progress and let you know if it gathers enough support to become New Zealand’s next Healthy Homes requirement.
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