From 1 July 2025, all landlords are responsible for ensuring their rental properties comply with healthy homes standards (and continue to comply with them over time). First introduced in 2019, healthy home standards are the minimum legal standards expected of rental properties in New Zealand.  These include:

• Heating (provision of functioning and fixed (not portable), heaters in the main living room)
• Ceiling and underfloor insulation, and
• Adequate ventilation (functioning doors and windows, and extractor fans in the kitchen and bathrooms).

Landlords who do not comply will be in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and can be penalised up to $7,200 per breach. Landlords who are ignorant of these changes or disorganised will not be excused.

Landlords in new or renewed tenancy agreements must include a signed statement detailing the property’s compliance with the standards.  Failing to do so can result in a penalty.  There are also penalties to the landlord if they provide misleading information in compliance statements.

If you are a tenant and you are concerned that your rental property does not comply with healthy homes standards, we recommend having a friendly chat to your landlord first.  Failing that, please contact us and we can help you explore your options.

On the other hand, if you are a landlord and are concerned about your obligations under the healthy homes standards, please come and see us for advice.