What are the Healthy Homes Standards in New Zealand?

The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping in all residential rental properties. Landlords must comply within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and include a statement of compliance in the tenancy agreement.

How much does Healthy Homes compliance cost NZ landlords?

Costs vary depending on what work is needed. Common expenses include heat pumps ($2,500–4,000 installed), underfloor and ceiling insulation ($3,000–5,000), extractor fans ($300–800 installed), and draught stopping ($200–1,000). Total costs typically range from $3,000–10,000 per property.

What happens if a landlord does not comply with Healthy Homes Standards?

Non-compliant landlords face penalties of up to $7,200 per infringement from the Tenancy Tribunal. Tenants can apply to the Tribunal for compliance orders and compensation. Repeated non-compliance can result in higher penalties and being listed on the Ministry's public register.

Healthy Homes Standards: What Landlords Need to Know

The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties. As a landlord, you are legally required to comply with these standards. Understanding what is required helps you budget for improvements and avoid penalties.

This guide covers the key requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards, compliance timeframes, and practical tips for meeting your obligations cost-effectively.

Overview of Healthy Homes Standards

The Healthy Homes Standards were introduced to improve the quality of rental housing in New Zealand. Research showed that many rental properties were cold, damp, and unhealthy, contributing to poor health outcomes for tenants.

The standards cover five key areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping.

Heating Standard

The heating standard requires landlords to provide a fixed heating device capable of heating the main living area to at least 18°C.

Key Requirements

Heating must be fixed rather than portable and must be able to heat the main living room to 18°C with adequate capacity for the room size. Acceptable types include heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners, and fixed electric heaters. Unflued gas heaters are not acceptable under the standard.

Heating Capacity Calculation:

The required heating capacity depends on the size of the living room, location (climate zone), and insulation levels. Tenancy Services provides a heating assessment tool to calculate the minimum heating capacity required for your property.

Insulation Standard

The insulation standard requires ceiling and underfloor insulation to meet minimum R-values (thermal resistance ratings).

Minimum R-Values:

Ceiling Insulation:

Zone 1 (Northland, Auckland): R 2.9
Zone 2 (Most of North Island): R 2.9
Zone 3 (South Island, Central Plateau): R 3.3

Underfloor Insulation:

All zones: R 1.3

Existing insulation that meets older standards may be acceptable if it is in reasonable condition. Check the specific requirements for your situation.

Ventilation Standard

Adequate ventilation helps control moisture and improve air quality. The ventilation standard requires opening windows in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Extractor fans must be installed in kitchens and bathrooms that vent to outside. Kitchen range hoods must be vented to outside, or if external venting is not possible, recirculating with filters is acceptable.

Extractor Fan Requirements

Kitchen extractor fans must have a minimum 50 litres per second extraction rate, while bathroom extractors require a minimum of 25 litres per second. All extractor fans must be in reasonable working order.

Moisture and Drainage Standard

This standard focuses on preventing moisture problems from the ground and ensuring proper drainage. If there is an enclosed subfloor space, a ground moisture barrier may be required. Efficient drainage for surface water must be provided, and gutters, downpipes, and drains must be in reasonable condition. Moisture ingress from the ground is a significant issue in many older New Zealand homes, and a ground moisture barrier using polythene sheeting can significantly reduce dampness.

Draught Stopping Standard

The draught stopping standard requires landlords to block unreasonable gaps and holes that cause draughts. All external doors and windows must be able to close properly, and unused chimneys and fireplaces must be blocked. Gaps and holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors must be blocked where reasonably practicable.

Compliance Requirements

As of 1 July 2025, all private rental properties in New Zealand must fully comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. The transitional period has ended — there are no longer any grace periods or phased deadlines.

Deadline Has Passed:

All private rentals must now be compliant. If your property does not meet the standards, you are in breach and may face penalties. Take action immediately to avoid infringement fees and Tenancy Tribunal claims.

Costs of Compliance

Compliance costs vary depending on your property's current state. Common costs include:

Heat pump installation: $2,500 - $5,000+
Ceiling insulation top-up: $1,500 - $3,500
Underfloor insulation: $2,000 - $4,000
Extractor fans: $300 - $800 per unit installed
Ground moisture barrier: $1,500 - $3,500
Draught stopping: $200 - $1,000

Note that compliance costs are generally tax deductible as a property expense.

Learn More: Property Investment Tax Deductions You Should Know About

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliant landlords face significant penalties. Infringement fees can reach $750 per breach, and the Tenancy Tribunal may award exemplary damages of up to $7,200. The Tribunal can also issue work orders requiring immediate compliance, and serious or repeated breaches may result in prosecution. With the universal deadline now passed, enforcement action is more likely — tenants and advocacy groups are increasingly aware of their rights under the standards.

Documentation Requirements

Landlords must provide a statement of compliance as part of every tenancy agreement. This statement must confirm that the property meets all Healthy Homes Standards and include details of the heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control, and draught stopping provided. Keep records of all compliance work completed, including invoices and photos, as this protects you if compliance is ever questioned.

Working with Property Managers

If you use a property manager, ensure they understand the Healthy Homes Standards requirements and can assess your property's compliance status. They should include compliance statements in tenancy agreements and be able to coordinate any required work on your behalf.

Learn More: Working with Property Managers: A Guide for Investors

Healthy Homes Standards: What Landlords Need to Know

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Key Takeaways