Even a well-insulated home will be cold if there are “unreasonable” draughts whistling through gaps in doors, windows, and walls.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ratemyflat.co.nz/llms.txt
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The “unreasonable draught” rule
Landlords must block any gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and floors that cause an unreasonable draught. While the law doesn’t define “unreasonable” with a specific measurement, MBIE guidance suggests that any gap in an external door or window larger than 3mm (roughly the thickness of a NZ $2 coin) should generally be sealed.Fireplaces and chimneys
Unused open fireplaces are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in older NZ homes.- Unused fireplaces: These must be blocked, or the chimney must be sealed, so that air cannot travel through them.
- Used fireplaces: If the tenant and landlord agree in writing that the fireplace will be used, it must be in good working order and free from gaps that cause unreasonable draughts.
How to check for draughts
You can do a DIY audit of your home’s air-tightness:- The candle test: On a windy day, move a safely shielded candle (or an incense stick) around the edges of closed windows and doors. If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draught.
- The visual check: If you can see daylight through the gap between a door and its frame, it needs a seal.
- Floorboards: Check for large gaps in timber floors, especially around the skirting boards.
Tenant DIY vs. landlord action
Landlords are responsible for structural fixes, but tenants can make quick improvements:- Door snakes: Use weighted fabric snakes to stop air coming under internal doors.
- Draught tape: You can buy adhesive foam or rubber stripping from a hardware store for a few dollars to seal window gaps.
- Thermal curtains: Heavy curtains are excellent at stopping “glass-chill” draughts.
If the standard isn’t met
If your home has significant gaps or an unblocked chimney, it is non-compliant. You should:- Report the specific gaps to your landlord in writing.
- Reference the HHS draught-stopping standard.
- Issue a 14-day notice to remedy if no action is taken.