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Documentation Index

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Under the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019, landlords are legally required to ensure their rental homes meet five specific minimum standards. Unlike DIY comfort measures, these are structural requirements that must be funded and managed by the landlord. Failure to comply with these standards can result in financial penalties of up to NZD $7,200 in exemplary damages.

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The five mandatory standards

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1. Heating

Landlords must provide one or more fixed heating devices (such as a heat pump, wood burner, or flued gas heater) that can heat the main living room to at least 18°C. The required heating capacity is calculated based on the size and construction of the room. Portable heaters are not compliant.

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2. Insulation

Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet specific R-value requirements. The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance—the higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
  • Zones 1 & 2 (North Island, excluding Central Plateau): Ceiling R 2.9
  • Zone 3 (entire South Island plus the Central Plateau — Ruapehu, Taupō): Ceiling R 3.3
  • Underfloor (all zones): R 1.3
There is a “120mm exception.” If your home has existing ceiling insulation that was installed before 1 July 2016 and it is still in good condition and at least 120mm thick, the landlord may not need to top it up immediately. However, any new insulation must meet the higher R-values.

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3. Ventilation

Every habitable room (bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens) must have at least one window, door, or skylight that opens to the outside.
  • Kitchens: Must have an extractor fan vented to the outside.
  • Bathrooms: Must have an extractor fan vented to the outside.

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4. Moisture ingress and drainage

Homes must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm, surface, and ground water. If the home has an enclosed sub-floor space, the landlord must install a ground moisture barrier (usually heavy-duty polythene sheeting) to prevent dampness from rising into the home.

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5. Draught stopping

Landlords must block any unnecessary gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause noticeable draughts. This includes sealing unused fireplaces or blocking chimneys.

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How to request remediation

If you believe your home does not meet these standards, you should follow a formal process to ensure your rights are protected.
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1. Check your tenancy agreement
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Since 1 July 2019, all new or renewed tenancy agreements must include a “Healthy Homes Compliance Statement” where the landlord declares the current level of compliance.
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2. Informal request
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Start by sending a polite, written request (email or text) to your landlord or property manager. Specify which standard you believe is not being met (e.g., “The bathroom extractor fan does not vent to the outside”).
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3. Formal 14-day notice to remedy
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If the informal request is ignored, you should issue a formal “14-day Notice to Remedy.” This is a legal document that gives the landlord 14 days to fix the issue or provide a firm plan for the work.
The notice must be in writing, clearly state the breach of the Residential Tenancies Act, and provide a deadline. If the landlord fails to act within this window, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a mediation or a hearing. For more information on the legal process, see Making a complaint. Sources: