Disclaimer:
This article provides general information about heating requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards. Requirements may be updated, and property-specific calculations require professional assessment. Always verify current requirements with Tenancy Services and consult qualified heating installers.
Key Takeaways
- You must provide heating capable of achieving at least 18°C in the main living room.
- The required heating capacity depends on your property's size, location, and insulation level.
- Heat pumps, wood burners, and fixed electric heaters are acceptable; unflued gas heaters are banned.
- The heating assessment tool on the Tenancy Services website calculates your required capacity.
- Non-compliant heating must be upgraded at or before the start of any new or renewed tenancy.
Cold, damp homes cause serious health problems, particularly respiratory illnesses. The Healthy Homes heating standard ensures all rental properties have adequate heating to keep tenants healthy. Here is what you need to provide.
The Heating Standard
The heating standard requires landlords to provide fixed heating in the main living room that can heat the room to at least 18°C. This is the minimum temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for healthy indoor environments.
The key word is "capable." You must provide heating that can achieve 18°C; whether the tenant actually uses it is their choice. But the capacity must be there.
Calculating Required Capacity
The heating capacity required depends on several factors unique to your property:
Factors Affecting Heating Capacity:
- Climate zone: Colder areas require more heating capacity
- Room size: Larger rooms need more powerful heating
- Ceiling height: Higher ceilings mean more air to heat
- Insulation level: Better insulated homes need less heating
- Window area and type: More glazing means more heat loss
The Tenancy Services website has a heating assessment tool that calculates your required capacity. You input your property details and the tool tells you the minimum kilowatt (kW) output needed.
Acceptable Heating Types
Not all heating types are acceptable under the Healthy Homes Standards. The heating must be fixed (not portable), and certain types are specifically excluded.
Acceptable Heating Options:
- ☐ Heat pumps (most efficient option)
- ☐ Wood burners and pellet burners (compliant with regional rules)
- ☐ Flued gas heaters
- ☐ Fixed electric heaters (panel heaters, convection heaters)
- ☐ Central heating systems
- ☐ Ducted heating systems
Not Acceptable:
- Unflued gas heaters (banned due to health risks)
- Open fires (unless compliant with regional air quality rules)
- Portable electric heaters (must be fixed)
- Heating in other rooms only (must be in main living room)
Unflued gas heaters are specifically banned because they release harmful combustion products directly into the home, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and water vapour that contributes to dampness.
Heat Pump Considerations
Heat pumps are the most popular choice for meeting the heating standard. They are highly efficient, providing multiple units of heat for each unit of electricity used.
Heat Pump Tips:
- Size the unit to your calculated requirements (oversizing is fine; undersizing is not)
- Position the indoor unit for good air distribution
- Ensure the outdoor unit has adequate clearance and drainage
- Factor in installation costs, which can vary significantly
- Consider ongoing maintenance requirements
When comparing heat pump options, look at the heating output in kW, not just the cooling capacity. The heating output may be lower than cooling capacity, particularly in colder conditions.
What Counts as the Main Living Room?
The main living room is typically the largest room used for general living activities, usually where the household spends most of their waking time. In an open-plan home, it may include the combined living, dining, and kitchen area.
If the space is open plan, measure the entire area for your heating calculation. If rooms are separate, focus on the main living room only; you are not required to provide fixed heating in bedrooms or other rooms.
Installation Requirements
Heating installation must be done safely and correctly:
- Electrical work requires a licensed electrician
- Gas work requires a licensed gasfitter
- Heat pumps should be installed by qualified technicians
- Wood burners may require building consent and must meet regional air quality rules
Keep installation certificates and documentation for your records. You may need to show evidence of compliance if questioned.
Compliance Statement
Your Healthy Homes compliance statement must include details about the heating provided:
Statement Should Include:
- ☐ Type of heating installed
- ☐ Location of the heating
- ☐ Heating capacity (kW output)
- ☐ Confirmation it meets the calculated requirement
- ☐ Details of any exemptions that apply
Related: Healthy Homes Standards for Landlords
Costs and Return on Investment
Heating installation costs vary widely depending on the type and complexity:
- Heat pump (supply and install): $2,500 to $5,000 for a standard unit
- Fixed panel heaters: $500 to $1,500 installed
- Wood burner (including consent and installation): $3,000 to $6,000
- Flued gas heater: $2,000 to $4,000 installed
While compliance involves upfront costs, adequate heating makes your property more attractive to tenants, potentially supporting higher rents and reducing vacancy periods.
The Bottom Line
The heating standard is straightforward: provide fixed heating in the main living room that can achieve 18°C. Use the official assessment tool to calculate your required capacity, choose an acceptable heating type, and ensure professional installation.
Beyond compliance, adequate heating is simply good property management. Warm, dry homes are healthier, more comfortable, and easier to rent. Investing in quality heating benefits everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide heating in bedrooms?
No. The Healthy Homes heating standard only requires fixed heating in the main living room. You are not required to provide heating in bedrooms, though doing so may make your property more attractive to tenants.
Can I use a portable heater to comply?
No. The heating must be fixed in place. Portable heaters, even if they have sufficient capacity, do not meet the standard. This is because portable heaters are more likely to cause fires and may not be used effectively by tenants.
What if my property has an open fire?
Open fires are only acceptable if they comply with your regional council's air quality rules. Many areas have restrictions on open fires. Even if permitted, you need to calculate whether the fire provides sufficient heating capacity for the room size.
Who pays for the electricity to run the heating?
Unless your tenancy agreement says otherwise, the tenant pays for electricity. You must provide the heating; the tenant pays to run it. This is consistent with other utilities like water heating.
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