New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements for rental properties to ensure they are warm, dry, and healthy. If you’re a landlord, compliance isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and enforced by Tenancy Services.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do.

What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?

The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum standards in five key areas:

1. Heating
2. Insulation
3. Ventilation
4. Moisture ingress & drainage
5. Draught stopping

All private rentals must comply within the required timeframes (most are now required to be fully compliant).

Compliance Checklist for Landlords

Use this as a practical step-by-step guide.

1. Heating Standard

A fixed heater in the main living room
Must meet the minimum required heating capacity (based on room size)
Must be able to heat the room to at least 18°C

Important:

• Portable heaters do NOT qualify
• Open fires and older unflued gas heaters usually don’t meet the standard

Tip: Heat pumps are the most common compliant solution.

2. Insulation Standard

Ceiling insulation meeting minimum R-values
Underfloor insulation (where reasonably practicable)
Insulation in reasonable condition (no dampness or damage)

If insulation was installed under earlier regulations, check whether it still meets current requirements.

3. Ventilation Standard

Openable windows in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms
Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms that vent outside
Fans must meet minimum airflow requirements

4. Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Efficient drainage system (gutters, downpipes, drains)
Ground moisture barrier if property has enclosed subfloor space

This is one of the most overlooked areas during compliance checks.

5. Draught Stopping

No unreasonable gaps or holes
Unused fireplaces must be blocked
Windows and doors must close properly

Documentation Requirements

Landlords must:

• Include a Healthy Homes compliance statement in all new tenancy agreements
• Keep records (invoices, photos, reports) proving compliance
• Provide information to tenants if requested

Failure to comply can lead to penalties through the Tenancy Tribunal.

Common Mistakes Landlords Make

Assuming existing insulation automatically complies
Installing a heater that’s too small for the room
Forgetting about ground moisture barriers
Not keeping proper documentation
Waiting until a tenancy begins to start upgrades

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Non-compliance can result in:

• Financial penalties
• Tenancy Tribunal orders
• Compensation payments to tenants
• Reputational damage

In serious cases, landlords may face exemplary damages.

Pro Tip: Get a Professional Assessment

Many landlords underestimate the technical calculations involved (especially for heating and ventilation). A professional property manager or assessor can:

• Calculate exact heating requirements
• Check insulation R-values
• Identify hidden compliance risks
• Keep your documentation audit-ready

Final Thoughts

Healthy Homes compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about protecting your investment and providing safe, quality housing.

If you’re unsure whether your property meets the standard, now is the time to review it. Proactive compliance saves money, reduces disputes, and keeps tenants happier long term.