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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ratemyflat.co.nz/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

The Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) are five specific domains introduced through legislation to ensure rental homes in New Zealand are warm, dry, and healthy. These standards were established under the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019. These standards aren’t suggestions — they’re legal requirements every landlord must meet for the rental to be fit for purpose. A non-compliant home is a landlord in breach of the law, not a quirk of the rental market.

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Who these standards apply to

The standards apply to all residential tenancies in New Zealand, including:
  • All private rental homes.
  • All boarding houses.
  • All social housing (Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Providers).

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The compliance deadline

As of 1 July 2025, all rental homes in New Zealand must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Previously, compliance deadlines were staggered based on when a tenancy started or was renewed. However, the final deadline has now passed. If you are currently living in a rental home that does not meet these five standards, your landlord is likely in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act.

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The five standards

The standards target the most common causes of poor health in NZ homes:
  1. Heating: A fixed heater capable of warming the main living room to 18°C.
  2. Insulation: Minimum R-values for ceiling and underfloor insulation.
  3. Ventilation: Openable windows and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
  4. Moisture and drainage: Efficient drainage and ground moisture barriers.
  5. Draught stopping: Blocking unused fireplaces and stopping unreasonable gaps.

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Healthy Homes Compliance Statement

Since 1 December 2020, every new or renewed tenancy agreement must include a signed Healthy Homes Compliance Statement. This is a document where the landlord (or property manager) must state the current level of compliance for each of the five standards. If this statement was not provided with your lease, or if it contains false information, the landlord can be held accountable.

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Penalties for non-compliance

Landlords who fail to meet the Healthy Homes Standards by the required deadline can be ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to pay “exemplary damages.” This is a penalty of up to NZD $7,200, which is usually paid directly to the tenant.
Sign up to ratemyflat to contribute reviews and verify the homes you have lived in. Sharing your home’s Healthy Homes Score helps the next tenant know what to expect.
[!NOTE] Compliance doesn’t mean performance Even if your home is certified as compliant - that doesn’t necessarily mean performance. A house that is certified to meet the healthy homes standards is great but getting a house that is actually warm, dry and draught free is what will save you from high energy bills and increased health costs. Book an assessment today

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Explore the standards

Heating

Requirements for fixed heaters in the living room.

Insulation

R-value minimums for ceilings and floors.

Ventilation

Window and extractor fan specifications.

Moisture

Drainage and ground moisture barriers.

Draughts

Sealing gaps and unused fireplaces.

Complaints

How to handle non-compliance via Tenancy Services.