Staying Compliant: A Landlord and Tenant Guide to Healthy Homes Standards

Kiwi landlords (as well as tenants) may  be aware that as of 1 July 2025, all private rental properties in NZ are legally required to be fully compliant with the Healthy Homes standards.

These standards were introduced mainly to ensure that the one in three Kiwi households that rent have access to warm, dry and healthier homes.

The standards provide new minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress/drainage, and draught stopping for rental properties in NZ.  We have summarised the five requirements below:

1. Heating

Landlords are required to provide one or more fixed heaters which directly heat the main living area of the property to at least 18 °C. In most cases a heat pump or large fixed electric heater would meet this requirement – the heater must be fixed and not portable.

2. Insulation

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been a requirement in all rental homes since 2019. Insulation must meet minimum R-value requirements. If you are a Landlord, and even if insulation has been installed at your property previously, top up insulation may still be required.

3. Ventilation

Each space in the home which is livable must have a door or window which opens to the outside. Kitchens and bathrooms are also required to have an extractor fan installed, to remove moisture and to prevent accrual of mould.

4. Moisture ingress/drainage

There must be effective systems in place for drainage of stormwater, surface water, and groundwater. If the property has an enclosed sub floor space, a ground moisture barrier is required to be installed, if possible.

5. Draught stopping

Landlords must block any gaps or holes in the walls, ceilings, floors and doors of the home, that cause or may cause a draught.

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What does this mean for you?

If you are a landlord, it is important to ensure you are meeting these requirements now, and maintaining an ongoing record of compliance. If you are a tenant, it is important you are aware of what the standards are so that you can ensure your property complies.

Failure to comply has hefty penalty. Landlords who do not meet their obligations are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and financial penalties can include fines up to $7,200.00. Exemptions to compliance with the standards may apply to you, but only in very limited circumstances.

Reach out to our property team, whether you are a landlord or tenant, if you have any queries regarding the standards (or whether an exemption may apply) and how they may affect you.

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