Healthy Homes Standards – What Landlords Need to Know

The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping in all residential rental properties across New Zealand.

These regulations became law on 1 July 2019 and are designed to ensure rental homes are warmer, drier, and healthier for tenants, while also reducing long-term maintenance costs for landlords.

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Key Compliance Dates

• 1 July 2019: Healthy Homes Standards became law. Landlords must begin record-keeping and include a statement of intent to comply in all new, renewed, or varied tenancy agreements.

• 1 December 2020: All new or renewed tenancy agreements must include a compliance statement outlining how the property does or does not meet each of the Healthy Homes Standards.

• 1 July 2021: From this date, boarding houses must be fully compliant. Private rentals entering new or renewed tenancies must comply within 90 days.

• 28 August 2022: The compliance window for new or renewed tenancies was extended from 90 to 120 days.

• 1 July 2025: All private rental properties must be fully compliant, regardless of when the tenancy began.

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What Every Rental Property Must Include

Unless a specific exemption applies, all rental homes must meet the following standards:

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Heating

• A fixed heating device in the main living area capable of heating the room to at least 18°C. Portable heaters do not meet this requirement.

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Insulation

• Ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the 2008 Building Code, or existing ceiling insulation with a minimum thickness of 120mm if in good condition.

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Ventilation

• All habitable rooms must have windows or doors that open to the outside.

• Kitchens and bathrooms must have externally vented extraction fans or an acceptable continuous mechanical ventilation system.

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Moisture Ingress and Drainage

• Effective drainage systems, including gutters, downpipes, and drains, must be in place to prevent water entering the home.

• Where there is an enclosed subfloor space, a ground moisture barrier must be installed where it is reasonably practicable.

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Draught Stopping

• All unreasonable gaps and holes in walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors must be sealed to prevent noticeable draughts.

• All unused fireplaces or chimneys must be blocked, unless a tenant requests in writing to use the fireplace and the landlord agrees.

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Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords are responsible for ensuring their rental properties comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. They must:

• Include a signed compliance statement in all new, renewed, or varied tenancy agreements.

• Keep clear and accessible records showing how the property meets each of the five standards (or documentation for any valid exemptions).

• Address any necessary upgrades in a timely manner to ensure compliance within the required timeframe.

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Enforcement and Penalties

Failure to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards may result in:

• Exemplary damages of up to $7,200.

• Penalties for missing or incomplete compliance statements in tenancy agreements.

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Need Help?

If you're unsure whether your property meets the Healthy Homes Standards or need help navigating the compliance process, get in touch with our property management team. We’ll guide you through what’s required, assist with upgrades if needed, and handle compliance on your behalf.

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