​1.Intention to Demolish or Rebuild:
   - If a landlord plans to demolish or substantially rebuild the rental property and has applied for or obtained the necessary resource or building consents before the tenancy begins, the property is exempt from the HHS for up to 12 months from the tenancy's start date. This exemption may end earlier if, for example, the consent lapses or is refused. Landlords must provide evidence of the applied or obtained consents upon request within 10 working days.

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2.Former Owner as Tenant:
   - If the tenant was the immediate former owner of the rental property and the tenancy commenced immediately after the landlord acquired the property from the tenant, an exemption applies for 12 months from the tenancy's start date. 

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3.Partial Exemption for Properties Not Fully Owned by Landlord:
   - For rental properties that are part of a building where the landlord does not own the entire building (e.g., an apartment), a partial exemption applies if compliance with certain standards is not possible because:
     - Installation or provision of necessary features requires access to or installation in a part of the building not solely owned by the landlord.
   - Landlords must still take all reasonable steps to ensure the rental property complies with the HHS to the greatest extent reasonably practicable.

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Specific Exemptions:

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Certain standards within the HHS have specific exemptions:

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 Heating Standard:
If it's not reasonably practicable to install a qualifying heating device due to the physical characteristics of the property.

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 Insulation Standard:
If an experienced professional determines that installing insulation is not reasonably practicable due to limited access or potential for substantial damage to the property.

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 Ventilation Standard:
If a room was lawful when built without openable windows or external doors and continues to meet the requirements that were in place when it was built.

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 Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard:
If it's not reasonably practicable to install a ground moisture barrier due to inaccessibility or potential for substantial damage.

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There are no specific exemptions for the Draught Stopping Standard; all properties must comply.

 

Conclusion:

While the Healthy Homes Standards are mandatory, these exemptions recognize situations where compliance may not be feasible. Landlords should assess their properties to determine if any exemptions apply and ensure they have appropriate documentation to support any exemption claims. It's essential to stay informed and comply with the standards to provide safe and healthy living conditions for tenants. 

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​https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/exemptions-to-the-healthy-homes-standards/