Healthy Homes compliance checklist 2026: what every NZ landlord must know
What are the Healthy Homes Standards in New Zealand?
Every rental property in New Zealand must now fully comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. The grace period is over — there are no exceptions. If your property doesn't meet the five standards, you're in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and face fines of up to $7,200 per breach. This checklist covers everything you need to know: what each standard requires, how to check compliance, and what to do if you're falling short.
The Healthy Homes Standards were introduced by the New Zealand government to ensure rental properties are warm, dry, and safe for tenants. They cover five key areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. As a self-managing landlord, it's your legal responsibility to meet every one of these standards.
The five Healthy Homes Standards explained
1. Heating standard
Your rental property must have a fixed heater in the main living room that can heat the room to at least 18°C.
What qualifies:
- Heat pump (the most common and efficient choice)
- Wood burner or pellet burner (must comply with regional clean air rules)
- Flued gas heater
- Compliant electric heater (must be fixed, not portable)
What does NOT qualify:
- Portable electric heaters (fan heaters, oil column heaters)
- Unflued gas heaters (these are actually banned in bedrooms)
- Open fireplaces alone (unless supplemented with a qualifying heater)
How to check: The heater must have enough capacity (in kilowatts) to heat your living room to 18°C. The required capacity depends on the room size, insulation level, location, and altitude. Use the Tenancy Services heating tool to calculate the minimum heating capacity for your property.
Helena's tip: If you're unsure, a correctly sized heat pump almost always meets the standard and is the most cost-effective option for tenants too.
2. Insulation standard
Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet minimum R-values, or be the best practicable option if the property can't physically accommodate the required levels.
Minimum R-values:
| Location | Ceiling | Underfloor | |----------|---------|------------| | Zone 1 (Auckland, Northland) | R 2.9 | R 1.3 | | Zone 2 (most of NZ) | R 2.9 | R 1.3 | | Zone 3 (colder areas — Central Otago, inland Canterbury) | R 3.3 | R 1.3 |
What to check:
- Is ceiling insulation present, in good condition, and at the correct depth/R-value?
- Is underfloor insulation present and in good condition (not sagging, damaged, or missing sections)?
- If the property has a concrete slab floor, underfloor insulation is not required — but ceiling insulation still is.
Common issues: Old insulation that has compressed over time, water-damaged insulation, missing sections where renovations removed insulation.
Helena's tip: If insulation was installed before 2008 and hasn't been topped up, it probably doesn't meet current R-values. Get a professional inspection.
3. Ventilation standard
Habitable rooms need adequate ventilation — usually through openable windows, plus extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
Requirements:
- All habitable rooms must have at least one openable window or door to the outside
- Kitchens must have a functioning rangehood or extractor fan that vents to the outside (not recirculating)
- Bathrooms and en-suites must have an extractor fan that vents to the outside, OR an openable window with an area of at least 5% of the floor area
How to check:
- Open every window in every room — do they all open easily?
- Turn on the rangehood — does it actually vent outside, or does it recirculate?
- Turn on bathroom fans — do they work? Do they vent outside?
Common issues: Painted-shut windows, rangehoods that recirculate instead of extracting, broken or disconnected extractor fans.
4. Moisture ingress and drainage standard
The property must have efficient drainage and no signs of moisture ingress.
Requirements:
- Gutters, downpipes, and drains must be in good condition and functioning
- The subfloor must have a ground moisture barrier if it has an enclosed subfloor space
- No ponding or pooling of water around foundations
- Adequate drainage for the site
How to check:
- Walk the exterior after rain — is water draining away from the building?
- Check gutters and downpipes — are they clear, connected, and draining properly?
- Check under the house (if accessible) — is there a moisture barrier? Is the ground dry?
- Look for signs of moisture inside: condensation on windows, mould growth, musty smells, peeling paint
Helena's tip: Moisture issues are the most commonly overlooked standard. A quick walk around the property after heavy rain tells you almost everything you need to know.
5. Draught stopping standard
All unused chimneys, fireplaces, and gaps/holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors must be blocked or repaired to prevent draughts.
Requirements:
- Unused open fireplaces must be blocked off
- Gaps around windows and doors must be sealed
- Holes in walls, floors, or ceilings (from removed fixtures, old wiring, etc.) must be filled
- Ranch sliders and external doors must close properly without visible gaps
How to check:
- On a windy day, walk through the property and feel for draughts around windows, doors, and any openings
- Check that all external doors and windows close properly and latch securely
- Look for visible gaps or holes in walls, floors, and ceilings
- Check that unused fireplaces are sealed
The Healthy Homes compliance statement
Since 1 July 2025, landlords must include a Healthy Homes compliance statement in every new or renewed tenancy agreement. This is a legal declaration that your property meets all five standards.
What you're declaring:
- The property complies with all five Healthy Homes Standards, OR
- You've identified areas of non-compliance and have a plan to address them (this is only acceptable in very limited circumstances)
Important: Signing a compliance statement for a property that doesn't actually comply is a breach of the RTA. If a tenant challenges it and you can't demonstrate compliance, you could face penalties.
What happens if you don't comply?
The consequences are real:
- Fines up to $7,200 per breach — and each of the five standards is a separate potential breach
- Exemplary damages — the Tenancy Tribunal can award these on top of fines
- Rent orders — tenants can apply for rent to be reduced until the property complies
- Reputational damage — Tribunal decisions are publicly searchable
Since the grace period ended, Tenancy Services has increased its enforcement activity. If a tenant makes a complaint, you will be investigated.
Your compliance action plan
Here's a practical step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Self-assess
Walk through your property with this checklist. Check each of the five standards against the requirements above. Take photos and notes.
Step 2: Get professional help where needed
For insulation assessments, heating calculations, and ventilation checks, consider getting a professional healthy homes assessment. Many insulation companies offer free assessments.
Step 3: Fix issues
Address any non-compliance. Common fixes:
- Install or upgrade a heat pump (heating)
- Top up ceiling insulation, install underfloor insulation (insulation)
- Install rangehood or bathroom extractor fans (ventilation)
- Clear gutters, install ground moisture barrier (moisture/drainage)
- Seal gaps, block unused fireplaces (draught stopping)
Step 4: Document everything
Keep receipts, photos, and records of all compliance work. You'll need these if a tenant ever challenges your compliance statement.
Step 5: Stay on top of it
Compliance isn't a one-time task. Insulation degrades, fans break, gutters block. Build regular property checks into your routine.
How keel helps you stay compliant
Managing Healthy Homes compliance across multiple properties is exactly the kind of ongoing admin that eats into your evenings. keel tracks compliance status for each of your properties, sends you reminders when inspections are due, and helps you document everything — so you're always ready if a tenant raises a question.
Skip, keel's AI assistant, can also help you understand what's required and flag potential compliance issues before they become problems.
Start your free 30-day trial at onkeel.co.nz — no credit card required.
Frequently asked questions
Do all rental properties in NZ need to comply with Healthy Homes Standards?
Yes. Since 1 July 2025, all private rental properties in New Zealand must fully comply with all five Healthy Homes Standards. There are no remaining grace periods or exemptions for existing tenancies.
What is the maximum fine for not meeting the Healthy Homes Standards?
The maximum fine is $7,200 per breach. Since there are five separate standards, the total potential penalty exposure for a completely non-compliant property could be significantly higher.
Do I need a professional assessment for Healthy Homes compliance?
It's not legally required, but it's strongly recommended — especially for insulation R-value calculations and heating capacity assessments. Many insulation companies offer free assessments.
What if my property can't physically meet a standard?
In limited cases where it's not reasonably practicable to fully comply (e.g., a heritage building where insulation can't be installed), you must achieve the "best practicable" alternative. Document why full compliance isn't possible and what you've done instead.
Where can I get official information about the Healthy Homes Standards?
The official source is Tenancy Services. They provide detailed guidance on each standard, including calculators and tools to help you assess your property.
How does keel help with Healthy Homes compliance?
keel tracks compliance status for each property, sends inspection reminders, and helps you document your compliance work. Skip, the AI assistant, can answer your questions about requirements and flag potential issues. Start a free trial at onkeel.co.nz.