The Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) were established to ensure rental properties in New Zealand are warm, dry, and healthy for tenants. These standards set minimum requirements across five key areas:

1. Heating
2. Insulation
3. Ventilation
4. Moisture Ingress and Drainage
5. Draught Stopping

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All rental properties must comply with these standards by 1 July 2025.

tenancy.govt.nz

(https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/healthy-homes-standards-what-a-landlord-needs-to-know/)

 

•   Heating Standard

Main Living Room Heating: Landlords are required to provide one or more fixed heaters capable of directly heating the main living room to at least 18°C. Acceptable heating devices include heat pumps, wood burners, and flued gas heaters. Unflued gas heaters and open fires are not acceptable. https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/heating-standard/

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•  Insulation Standard

Ceiling and Underfloor Insulation: Ceiling and underfloor insulation have been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. The healthy homes insulation standard builds on the previous regulations, and some existing insulation may need to be topped up or replaced to meet the new requirements. 

https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/insulation-standard/

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•  Ventilation Standard

Windows: All habitable spaces (living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms) must have windows or doors that open to the outside and can be fixed in the open position.

Extractor Fans: Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans vented to the outside to remove moisture. 

https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/ventilation-standard/

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•  Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard

Drainage Systems: Rental properties must have efficient drainage systems, including gutters, downpipes, and drains, to remove stormwater, surface water, and groundwater.

Ground Moisture Barrier: If the property has an enclosed subfloor space, a ground moisture barrier must be installed to prevent moisture from rising into the home. 

https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/moisture-ingress-and-drainage-standard/

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•   Draught Stopping Standard

 Eliminating Unreasonable Gaps: Landlords must ensure there are no unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause noticeable draughts. All unused open fireplaces must be closed off or their chimneys blocked to prevent draughts. 

https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/draught/

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•   Exemptions

Certain exemptions apply where it is not reasonably practicable to meet the standards. For example, if a landlord intends to demolish or substantially rebuild the property within 12 months and has applied for the necessary permits, they may be exempt. Additionally, if a tenant denies entry for necessary work, the landlord may be exempt from complying with specific standards. https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/exemptions-to-the-healthy-homes-standards/

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Landlords are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the detailed requirements and ensure their properties comply by the stipulated deadlines to provide safe and healthy living conditions for tenants. 

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