Summarised by Centrist
From July 1, all rental properties in New Zealand must meet minimum Healthy Homes Regulations standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture drainage, and draught-stopping.
Over one-third of rentals were found to have damp or mould issues in 2022, which are linked to preventable illnesses such as asthma and rheumatic fever.
In the main living room, landlords must install a fixed heater (typically a heat pump or a flued gas unit) that is large enough to warm the space.
Ceilings and underfloor areas must be insulated to specific levels based on the climate zone, with allowances made for existing compliant insulation.
All bedrooms, kitchens, and living spaces must have opening windows that cover at least 5% of the room’s floor area.
Kitchens and bathrooms must also have extractor fans, unless it’s not “reasonably practicable” to install them.
Drainage systems must efficiently channel rainwater away from the house to prevent water damage. If a subfloor is enclosed, a ground moisture barrier must be installed.
Draughts from gaps wider than 3mm must be sealed, and unused fireplaces closed off. There are no broad exemptions for draught-stopping.
Some temporary exemptions apply for homes undergoing demolition or major renovations, but only if the consent process is already underway.
Landlords who fail to comply risk fines of up to $7,200 per breach. Tenants can demand a compliance statement, issue a 14-day notice to remedy, or escalate unresolved issues to the Tenancy Tribunal.
Persistent breaches may also trigger enforcement action from the Tenancy Services Compliance and Investigations Team.
Image: Gihan Dias
