Healthy Homes Standards: What Your Landlord Must Provide

The Healthy Homes Standards are not optional guidelines — they are legal requirements designed to ensure every rental property in New Zealand is warm, dry, and safe. Landlords must meet these standards within strict timeframes, and tenants have the right to challenge non‑compliance.

This article breaks down each standard, what it means for you, and what to do if your landlord isn’t meeting their obligations.

Heating Standard

Your main living area must have a fixed, efficient heater capable of reaching 18°C on the coldest days.

The heater must be:

• A heat pump, wood burner, or fixed electric heater
• Correctly sized for the room
• In good working order
• Not an unflued gas heater or open fire

If the heater is too small, broken, or missing — the landlord is in breach.

Insulation Standard

Ceiling and underfloor insulation must:

• Meet the 2021 minimum R‑values
• Be in good condition
• Be installed correctly
• Not be damp, damaged, or missing sections

If insulation is degraded or incomplete, the landlord must replace or top it up.

Ventilation Standard

Every rental must have:

• Openable windows in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms
• Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• Fans must meet minimum airflow requirements

If mould is forming, ventilation is likely inadequate — and that’s a compliance issue.

Moisture Ingress & Drainage Standard

Landlords must ensure:

• Gutters and downpipes are working
• Drainage is effective
• Ground moisture barriers are installed under homes with accessible subfloors

If water pools under or around the house, the landlord must fix it.

Draught Stopping Standard

Landlords must block:

• Gaps or holes in walls
• Broken or loose window frames
• Gaps around doors
• Unsealed chimneys
• Any noticeable draughts

A “reasonable” draught is not allowed — the standard is strict.

Compliance Timeframes

Landlords must:

• Meet all standards within 120 days of a new tenancy
• Maintain compliance throughout the tenancy
• Provide a Healthy Homes Compliance Statement

Failure to comply can result in significant penalties.

What Tenants Can Do

If you believe your home doesn’t meet the standards:

1. Ask for the Healthy Homes Compliance Statement
2. Request repairs or upgrades in writing
3. Take photos and document issues
4. Request a Healthy Homes assessment
5. Apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for:
   • Work orders
   • Compensation
   • Rent reduction
   • Penalties for non‑compliance

The Tribunal takes Healthy Homes breaches seriously.

Summary

You have the right to a warm, dry, healthy home. Your landlord must:

• Provide proper heating
• Maintain insulation
• Ensure ventilation
• Control moisture
• Stop draughts
• Meet all legal standards

If they don’t, you can take action — and the law is firmly on your side.