Date: 28th Sep 2026
The Healthy Homes Standards have been fully in force for all rental properties since July 1, 2025. Staying compliant is now a requirement for private landlords: your rental property should meet all five minimum standards from day one of any tenancy.
This guide covers the five Healthy Homes rental standards, what non-compliance costs you, and how a property manager can help keep compliance on track.
The Healthy Homes Standards are designed to address the quality gap between rental properties and owner-occupied homes. Cold, damp rental homes are linked to poorer tenant health, and with over 600,000 NZ households living in rentals, the standards make sure those homes are warm, dry, and safe to live in.
For landlords tenanting a property, a warmer, drier house can also mean less mould or mildew damage. That’s fewer maintenance issues, lower costs, and a better-managed investment overall.
The five standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. While some properties might have exemptions, here are the basics of what each standard typically requires:
Your rental should have one or more fixed heaters in the main living room. The minimum heating capacity is calculated using the room’s size and characteristics.
Heat pumps are the most popular solution and typically the most cost-effective to run. Some flued gas heaters, wood burners and pellet burners may also suffice, provided they meet the appropriate requirements.
Ceiling and underfloor insulation is compulsory in all rental homes; the minimum R-value (resistance to heat flow) depends on your property’s climate zone. Most of the North Island requires a minimum ceiling R-value of 2.9, while all of the South Island (and part of the central North Island) requires an R-value of 3.3. All of New Zealand has a minimum R-value of 1.3 for the underfloor insulation.
The insulation should be in good condition. Older insulation that has compacted or been disturbed over the years may no longer meet the Healthy Homes insulation requirements, even if it was correctly installed to older standards.
Poor ventilation is one of the leading causes of damp, mouldy homes. Every habitable room should have at least one window or door that opens to the outside. Kitchens and bathrooms should also have an extractor fan that vents directly outside, or continuous mechanical ventilation that meets specific criteria.
Your property should have efficient drainage for stormwater, surface water, and groundwater. Gutters, downpipes, and drains should all be in good working order. Check for signs of leaks, water damage or moisture ingress, as these may point to maintenance or compliance issues. A ground moisture barrier is also required for enclosed sub-floor spaces.
Landlords must block any unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause noticeable draughts. Unused chimneys and fireplaces should be blocked, and gaps around pipes and cables sealed up.
Think your home is compliant? Watch out for these issues common in New Zealand rental properties:
If your rental property doesn't follow the Healthy Homes Standards, a tenant can complain to Tenancy Services. MBIE can also conduct proactive inspections without waiting for a complaint.
The financial penalties of non-compliance are significant; you could be fined up to $7,200. Your tenancy agreement should also include a Healthy Homes compliance statement. If you fail to include this statement in new or renewed tenancy agreements, you could be fined up to $500 per tenancy.
Getting compliant doesn't have to be complicated. Here's where to start:
What types of rental properties need to follow the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards apply to all private residential tenancies in New Zealand, including standard rental homes and boarding houses. A small number of exemptions apply, but most landlords will need to meet the standards.
The Residential Tenancies Healthy Homes Standards Regulations 2019 introduced the new Healthy Homes Standards, but the Healthy Homes compliance dates were rolled out in stages. From July 1, 2025, every private rental should meet all five standards from day one of any new or renewed tenancy, unless an exemption applies.
Many landlords use an independent assessor to check the property against the five standards. Independent assessors are not the same as Tenancy Services or MBIE inspectors. If you're working with a property manager, they'll typically have a network of trusted assessors they refer clients to.
Knowing how to stay on top of the Healthy Homes rules is a must for landlords in New Zealand. Healthy Homes compliance protects your tenants, your investment, and your peace of mind.
If you need assistance ensuring your rental homes meet the Healthy Homes Standards, talk to Tremains' Property Managers in Rotorua, Taupo, and Wairarapa. We help landlords stay on top of obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act so you can protect your investment.
Request a free rental property appraisal today, or talk to a Tremains Property Manager about keeping your rental compliant.
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