Healthy Homes standards: a plain guide for landlords
The five Healthy Homes standards explained: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and draught stopping, plus the paperwork landlords need.
What the standards are
The Healthy Homes standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping in New Zealand rental homes. All private rentals have had to comply since 1 July 2025.
The five standards
Heating: a fixed heater in the main living room that can warm it to at least 18°C.
Insulation: ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the required standard.
Ventilation: windows that open in living areas, dining rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, plus extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
Moisture and drainage: good drainage and guttering, and a ground moisture barrier if the home has an enclosed subfloor.
Draught stopping: gaps and holes that cause noticeable draughts must be blocked, and unused open fireplaces closed off.
The paperwork
New and renewed tenancy agreements must include a Healthy Homes compliance statement, and you need to keep records showing how the home meets each standard.
Common gaps
The issues we see most often are a heat pump that's too small for the living room, a bathroom without an extractor fan, an old fireplace that hasn't been sealed and a missing ground moisture barrier.
Check the latest guidance
Tenancy Services publishes the full requirements, along with a tool for working out the heating you need. Rules can change, so check the current guidance before you make changes.
How we help
For the long-term homes we manage, we check compliance, arrange any work needed and keep the records up to date.
Alberon Property & Accommodation · Mt Eden, Auckland and Landsdown Rd, Wānaka, New Zealand · +64 22 601 0943 · admin@alberon.co.nz