Your Guide to Healthy Homes Compliance in New Zealand

Making sense of the Healthy Homes Standards - and getting the job done.

New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards were introduced to make rental properties warmer, drier, and healthier - and they’re a game changer for both tenants and landlords. But as practical and positive as they are, these standards have also introduced a wave of compliance confusion.

Landlords across the country are navigating a complex mix of deadlines, paperwork, and upgrades. Tenants are asking questions, property conditions vary, and official government checklists - while helpful - don’t offer a clear plan of action when work needs to be done.

That’s where we come in.

At Property Brokers, our property managers do more than just explain the standards. We help landlords navigate, manage, and complete the work required - smarter, faster, and with better outcomes for everyone involved.

What are the Healthy Homes Standards?

The Healthy Homes Standards outline the minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping in all rental homes across New Zealand. For official details, you can visit Tenancy Services' Healthy Homes hub. But if you're after actionable advice tailored to your property, you’re in the right place.

We’ve translated the compliance requirements into something landlords can actually work with - and more importantly, we can do the work for you.

Heating

The law: A fixed heating device in the main living room that meets a specific heating capacity.

Our tip: Many landlords assume existing heat pumps will do - but not all meet the new minimum capacity. We calculate the correct heating requirement based on room size and condition, and if an upgrade’s needed, we manage the whole process from quote to install.

Insulation

The law: Ceiling and underfloor insulation must be up to standard, or upgraded.

Our tip: Insulation degrades over time — and “existing” doesn’t always mean “compliant.” We bring in certified professionals to inspect and insulate where needed, ensuring you’re covered for both current standards and future changes.

Ventilation

The law: Openable windows in living rooms, dining areas, kitchens and bedrooms, and extractor fans in rooms with a bath or shower.

Our tip: Older homes are often the trickiest here. We assess what’s in place and whether the fan specs meet compliance - and if not, we’ll sort new fans through licensed electricians.

Moisture and Drainage

The law: Proper drainage (gutters, downpipes, etc.) and ground moisture barriers in enclosed subfloors.

Our tip: Many landlords don’t even know they have a subfloor issue. We’ll inspect, advise, and coordinate the install of moisture barriers if needed - no disruption to tenants.

Draught Stopping

The law: All gaps or openings that let in draughts must be blocked.

Our tip: We’ve seen everything from unsealed cat doors to floorboard gaps. We do a full property walk-through and send in the right tradie to make sure you tick the box - and stay compliant long-term.

How Property Brokers Manage Renovations for Landlords and Tenants

Sometimes, compliance is just the starting point. One of our landlords in Hawke’s Bay wanted to bring their 1970s rental up to Healthy Homes spec - but also wanted to add long-term value. We managed a full insulation and heating upgrade, coordinated new paint and flooring, and helped re-market the property at a 12% rent increase. Better still, the tenants were thrilled and stayed on.

Another investor in Manawatū was overwhelmed by multiple properties needing different levels of work. Our team created a compliance timeline, arranged trusted tradespeople, managed tenant comms, and completed the work well before the deadline.

Is Your Investment Property Healthy Homes Compliant? Here’s What You Can Do:

1. Book a property assessment with your local Property Brokers property manager
2. Review the report - we’ll outline what’s needed, what’s urgent, and what’s optional
3. Approve quotes and timeline - we’ll take care of the rest
4. Communicate with tenants - we handle this part too, keeping everything smooth
5. Receive your compliance documents and peace of mind

Answering Common Questions from Landlords

• What’s the real risk if I miss the July 2025 deadline? You could face fines of up to $7,200 - not to mention lost rent or tribunal disputes.

• How much will this cost me - and will it actually improve my rental yield? Costs vary by property, but many upgrades (like heating and ventilation) can improve tenant satisfaction and reduce vacancy.

• Can Property Brokers handle the whole thing? Yes - from assessment to upgrades to compliance paperwork.

• Do I need to upgrade my heat pump or insulation if it’s “still working fine”? Only if it doesn't meet the specific standards - we’ll check and advise.

• How do I prove I’m compliant? We keep all documentation and provide compliance statements for your records.

• Can I rent my place while work is being done? In most cases, yes. We’ll work with your tenants to minimise disruption.

• What if tenants won’t cooperate? We’re skilled at tenant communications - and can often resolve issues before they escalate.

• Can I increase the rent after upgrades? Possibly. While there are rules, many landlords have been able to justify increases post-upgrade.

• What’s the typical timeline? From inspection to compliance can range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the work required.

• Can I switch to Property Brokers now? Absolutely. We’ll get you sorted - find your new property manager here.

Ready to Get Compliant?

Don’t let compliance become a headache. Whether you need a simple assessment or full-service renovation management, Property Brokers can help. Explore our property management fees or talk to one of our local property managers today.

Want to know more about Property Brokers' superior property management service? Check out our FREE guide here!