Healthy Homes Inspection NZ

What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of minimum requirements for rental properties in New Zealand, established under the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019. They were introduced to improve the quality of rental housing across the country and address long-standing issues with cold, damp, and poorly ventilated homes.

A healthy homes inspection assesses a rental property against each of the five standards and identifies what work, if any, is needed to bring the property into compliance.

The Five Standards in Detail

Heating. The property must have one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living area to at least 18°C. The required heater capacity is calculated based on the living room's size, location (climate zone), insulation levels, and floor type. Portable electric heaters, open fires, and unflued gas heaters do not qualify.

Insulation. Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet minimum R-values. Ceiling insulation must be at least R 2.9 in most areas (R 3.3 in Zone 3, which covers the colder parts of the South Island). Underfloor insulation must be at least R 1.3. Existing insulation that has degraded, been compressed, or has significant gaps may not meet the standard even if it was adequate when installed.

Ventilation. Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans that vent to the outside — recirculating rangehoods do not count. All habitable rooms must have openable windows with an opening area of at least 5% of the floor area.

Moisture ingress and drainage. The property must have efficient drainage to divert surface water away from the building. If the subfloor has an exposed earth floor, a ground moisture barrier must be installed. Downpipes must be connected and functional, and the property must not have any noted moisture defects that the landlord has failed to address.

Draught stopping. All unused open fireplaces must be blocked. Gaps and holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause noticeable draughts must be stopped. This includes ensuring windows and exterior doors close properly.

Who Needs to Comply

All landlords and property managers of residential rental properties in New Zealand must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. This includes private landlords, social housing providers, and boarding house operators. Compliance must be achieved within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy.

Statement of Compliance

Landlords are required to include a statement of compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards in any new or renewed tenancy agreement. This statement must detail how the property complies with each of the five standards or, where an exemption applies, explain the basis for that exemption.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance can result in infringement notices of up to $7,200 and Tenancy Tribunal orders for exemplary damages of up to $50,000. The Tribunal can also order the landlord to carry out specific work to bring the property into compliance. Tenants may raise complaints through the Tenancy Tribunal at any time if they believe their rental does not meet the standards.