HRV launches lease scheme for landlords

A third of Kiwis are concerned about the impact a damp, cold or mouldy home has on their family's health.

A new home ventilation leasing scheme has been launched in an attempt to help improve the state of New Zealand rental housing.

HRV has developed a "Lease to Landlord" scheme - which it promotes as a "cost-effective way for landlords to lease ventilation systems and bathroom extractor fans to improve overall property conditions."

The "Lease to Landlord" scheme offers landlords a lease-to-own alternative to invest and pay off the systems over a two, three or four year period.

Findings from the latest State of Home Survey outlines that 26 per cent of Kiwis have moved out of a house due to cold, damp and mouldy conditions. This number has increased 20 per cent according to last year's survey.

Chief executive of HRV Bruce Gordon said the initiative will protect the longevity of property investments and help to improve the overall health and wellbeing of tenants.

Gordon said good ventilation was key to reducing dampness and mould in homes, but to ensure a significant improvement, said a combination of good quality ventilation, insulation, and heating is a must.

"A healthy home and healthy tenants has got to be good for everyone."

On average, renters have 4.7 sick days per year compared to an overall average of 2.8 days for non-renters.

HRV hopes the scheme will also improve landlord and tenant relationships.