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Healthy Homes

Healthy Homes Standards – What Landlords Need to Know

The Healthy Homes Standards were introduced to ensure rental properties in New Zealand are warm, dry, safe, and comfortable for tenants. These standards form part of the Healthy Homes Guarantees Act, which places clear legal obligations on landlords to keep their rental properties compliant at all times.

Compliance is not optional. Landlords who fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements may face significant financial penalties, compensation orders to tenants, and potential legal action at the Tenancy Tribunal. Non-compliance can also increase insurance risk and result in further costs if issues are not addressed quickly. Keeping your property up to standard protects your investment, keeps tenants safe and happy, reduces vacancy, and ensures you remain fully compliant under the law.

How Yellow Group Ensures Your Property Meets Every Requirement

At Yellow Group Property Management, we make Healthy Homes compliance simple and stress-free. We complete a full Healthy Homes Assessment free of charge for every managed property, giving you a detailed understanding of what is required to meet the standards. If any work is needed, we will arrange trusted, qualified tradespeople and manage the entire process from start to finish.

Healthy Homes is not a one-off obligation—compliance must be maintained over time, and failing to keep the property in good condition can result in it slipping out of compliance. We assist with ongoing monitoring, regular inspections, maintenance coordination, and updates to ensure your property remains compliant year after year.

Your peace of mind is our priority. We take care of everything so your property stays warm, dry, legally compliant, and protected.

The Healthy Homes Standards – What’s Required

1. Heating Standard

  • The main living area must have a fixed heater that has the required KW as per the Teanncy Services Heating formula.
  • Portable heaters do not meet the requirement.
  • In most cases, a properly sized heat pump or flued gas heater is required unless the property is exempt, in which case a wall panel heater may be used.

2. Insulation Standard

  • Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet the 2021 R-value requirements or be upgraded if below the minimum levels.
  • Existing insulation must be in reasonable condition and provide effective thermal resistance.

3. Ventilation Standard

  • All bedrooms and living areas must have openable windows.
  • Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans that vent to the outside, not recirculate internally.

4. Moisture Ingress & Drainage Standard

  • Rental properties must have efficient drainage for stormwater, surface water, and groundwater.
  • Properties with an accessible subfloor must have a polythene ground moisture barrier installed unless exempt.

5. Draught Stopping Standard

  • All significant draughts must be eliminated.
  • This includes gaps around doors, windows, chimneys, floorboards, and any holes or openings in walls or ceilings.