Free checklist to help renters look for a healthy home
CEA Charitable Trust in Christchurch has developed a free checklist for tenants looking for a new home that is warm, dry and healthy to live in.
Although the Healthy Homes Standards go a long way to make sure rentals are warm and dry for tenants to live in, there is a lot more to keep in mind if tenants want a warm and easy to heat rental. Renters may may have a bit more choice with the rental market easing so it is helpful to use the checklist to know what they are renting.
This is because it can be cheaper to have a rental that is slightly dearer in rent but that saves money on power to heat and on health costs associated with cold, damp homes.
Some examples:
- Many older style downlights (the little lights that sit flush with the ceiling) cannot have insulation over or even around them. This means the ceiling insulation has many holes in it, making it less effective.
- Homes without an option to vent a dryer to the outside can become very damp.
- Whether a house has good curtains or not can make a difference to how much heat is lost through windows.
View or download an online copy of the tenants’ checklist from the CEA’s website.
You can also order a printed booklet copy of the tenants' checklist from the CEA online shop (just pay $3 postage and handling) website or pick up a copy from CEA’s office during their office hours (16 Leslie Hills Drive, Riccarton). Organisations who want a bundle sent free of charge can email Jaimita De Jongh (Jaimita.dejongh[at]cea.co.nz).
The checklist has been developed with funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment under the ‘Support for Energy Education in Communities’ Programme.
Free insulation still available from CEA
The charitable trust also continues to have free insulation (including top-ups) available for eligible homeowners. Homeowners need to have a Community Services Card or live in an eligible low income area.
Find out more about free insulation from CEA or call 0800 GETWARM (0800 438 9276).