Landlords’ Guide to Minimum Rental Property Standards for Tenant Wellbeing
Thursday, 7 March 2019
Browse
Topic
Related news
By continuing, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy
Instructions on how to reset your password will be sent to the email below.
Thursday, 7 March 2019
Meeting rental property standards isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring steady rental income.
The new rental property standards introduce stricter heating, insulation, and compliance requirements to improve tenant wellbeing. While the costs of meeting these standards may impact landlords in the short term, long-term benefits include healthier homes, lower maintenance costs, and improved tenant retention. Property Brokers is actively supporting landlords through this transition with expert guidance and compliance management.
Last updated: January 2025. Standards and requirements may change. Always refer to current legislation or a property management professional for the latest requirements.
The recent changes to rental property standards have been welcomed across the industry, as they aim to improve housing conditions and tenant health.
“We are advocates of healthy homes and better living standards, and we see the benefits of the new regulations,” says Will Alexander, Property Brokers Divisional Manager in Property Management.
While these changes bring long-term benefits, landlords must be prepared for the logistics, costs, and resource allocation required to bring their properties up to standard.
Rental properties must be able to maintain a temperature of at least 18°C in living areas. This means:
Achieving this standard requires detailed measurements across 600,000+ rental properties in New Zealand – a major challenge for landlords.
Rental properties must meet minimum insulation levels to retain heat and improve energy efficiency.
Rents have already increased by 9.5% across Property Brokers due to compliance costs, including insulation upgrades and the shift of letting fees to landlords.
Failing to meet compliance deadlines can result in financial penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage.
“If a landlord is non-compliant by July 1, 2025, the Tenancy Tribunal may award penalties of up to $4,000, typically assigned to tenants.”
Property Brokers is proactively supporting landlords through these changes by:
“We feel it is essential that all perspectives are heard when tackling these changes,” says Alexander. “We should pause and take the time to get this right.”
Costs vary based on property size, location, and required upgrades. Professional assessments can provide accurate estimates.
DIY work must meet legal standards and be professionally certified. Insulation, heating, and moisture prevention typically require licensed professionals.
Exemptions exist for certain properties, but landlords must provide documentation to justify exemptions.
1. Book a professional compliance assessment
2. Create a timeline for necessary upgrades
3. Budget for compliance costs
4. Schedule regular inspections to maintain standards
The new rental property standards are a necessary step towards healthier homes and better living conditions. While compliance costs are a challenge, they contribute to long-term investment protection, reduced maintenance issues, and improved tenant retention.
Property Brokers is here to guide landlords every step of the way - from assessments to compliance tracking.
From the top of the North through to the deep South, our salespeople are renowned for providing exceptional service because our clients deserve nothing less.
Managing thousands of rental properties throughout provincial New Zealand, our award-winning team saves you time and money, so you can make the most of yours.
With a team of over 850 strong in more than 88 locations throughout provincial New Zealand, a friendly Property Brokers branch is likely to never be too far from where you are.
