Free insulation for 100 Rotorua rentals

FILE

Rotorua landlords are being urged to take up an offer of free insulation for their rental homes through the Government's Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme.

Rotorua Lakes Council is working with Right House Limited, which installs the insulation on behalf of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), to insulate 100 rentals in the city that meet the criteria.

The Cottingham Family Warm Up Charitable Trust and the council have provided additional funding and so far 59 landlords have taken up the offer.

"It's great we've had so many come forward already to take up this offer and we're very keen to reach the 100 mark," said councillor Janet Wepa, who leads the council's sustainable living portfolio.

"Insulation is vital to ensuring people are living in healthy homes and we're very pleased to be involved in this offer. We need to make sure that Rotorua homes are safe, healthy and warm.

"The Government wants all New Zealand homes to be adequately insulated to improve living standards and that's also a goal of our council and our community."

The offer to insulate 100 rental homes in Rotorua provides for floor and ceiling insulation and eligibility is subject to meeting EECA's criteria for the programme.

"For landlords, as well as being free, this offer provides added benefits for not only tenants but also for the owners of rental properties," said Mike Brunton, Right Homes Limited national sales manager.

"Insulation adds value to homes and given the damage that can be caused through dampness, also helps to ensure the longevity of the landlords' investment.

"Landlords have the opportunity to improve the living conditions and subsequently the health of their tenants, by simply booking the assessment, quota is running out so there is a need initiate the process without delay.

"This offer is limited to 100 Rotorua rental properties so landlords need to get in now to be assured of being able to benefit."

EECA criteria for the Healthy Homes programme include:

• The tenant must hold a current Community Services Card (CCS)
• Someone living in the house is at risk of a health issue linked to cold damp housing - such as a respiratory condition, or,
• Children under 17 years old or people over 65 years old are living in the house
• The house must have been built prior to Year 2000

Landlords keen to take advantage of the current offer of free insulation can contact Right House on 0800 744 569 or email healthy-homes@righthouse.co.nn.