Landlord’s Guide

In New Zealand, providing a warm, dry, and safe home is not just a moral obligation—it is a legal requirement. As of 2026, all rental properties must strictly adhere to the Healthy Homes Standards (HHS). Failure to comply can result in significant penalties from the Tenancy Tribunal, often exceeding $7,000 per breach.
At Ray White The Sands, we take the guesswork out of compliance. Our team ensures your property meets all five key pillars of the standards, protecting both your investment and your tenants.

The 5 Pillars of Healthy Homes Standards

To be compliant, every rental property must pass an assessment in these five specific areas:
1. Heating
Every rental must have one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room to at least 18°C.

• The 2026 Standard: The heater must be “fixed” (not portable) and meet a specific kilowatt heating capacity based on the room’s size and window orientation.

2. Insulation
Ceiling and underfloor insulation have been compulsory since 2019, but the HHS increased the required thickness.

• Requirements: Ceiling insulation must generally meet a minimum R-value (thermal resistance) of R2.9 or higher in the Bay of Plenty. Underfloor insulation must have an R-value of at least R1.3.

3. Ventilation
Proper airflow is critical to preventing mould and dampness.

• Living Spaces: Kitchens and bathrooms must have openable windows.
• Extractor Fans: Mechanical extractor fans are mandatory in kitchens (vented to the outside) and bathrooms. New builds and renovations have even stricter requirements for fan diameter and performance.

4. Moisture Ingress & Drainage
A dry home starts from the ground up.

• Ground Moisture Barriers: If your property has an enclosed sub-floor (the space under the house), a polythene ground moisture barrier must be installed to stop dampness from rising into the floorboards.
• Drainage: The property must have efficient drainage for storm, surface, and greywater.

5. Draught Stopping
Blocking unnecessary gaps keeps the heat in and the power bills down.

• Seal the Gaps: Landlords must seal any unnecessary gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause noticeable draughts.
• Fireplaces: Unused open fireplaces must be closed or the chimney blocked.