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Documentation Index

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

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The legal responsibility for meeting Healthy Homes Standards sits with the landlord. But there are low-cost, immediate steps you can take to make a home warmer, drier, and healthier today. None of these substitute for the landlord’s legal obligations — they just improve daily life while you push for the structural fixes.

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Heating and heat retention

Even with a compliant heater, how you manage your home’s airflow and window coverings dictates how much warmth stays inside. Behavioural changes Simple habits can prevent heat loss. Close doors to unused rooms (like laundries or spare bedrooms) to keep warmth in the main living areas. Draw heavy curtains just before sunset to trap the day’s warmth inside. Thermal curtains Installing high-quality thermal curtains can be one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss through glass. For maximum effect, ensure the curtains have a “pelmet” effect—where the top of the curtain sits close to the wall or is covered—to prevent cold air from “washing” down the window.
If you are unable to install a permanent pelmet, simply ensuring your curtains are floor-length and tucked tightly against the window frame helps create a seal.
Portable electric heaters can supplement warmth, but they do NOT make a home compliant with the Healthy Homes Standards. Landlords must provide a fixed heating device capable of reaching 18°C in the main living room.

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Ventilation and moisture control

Mould thrives in damp, still air. Managing moisture at the source is the best way to prevent its growth.
  • Daily cross-ventilation: Open windows for at least 15 minutes a day, even in winter, to flush out moist air.
  • Cooking and cleaning: Always use lids on pots when cooking and turn on the extractor fans before you start. Leave the fan running for a few minutes after you finish.
  • Drying laundry: Avoid drying clothes on racks inside. If you must dry laundry indoors, do so in a room with an open window and the door closed to the rest of the home.
  • The 10cm rule: Keep furniture, especially large items like beds and wardrobes, at least 10cm away from external walls. This allows air to circulate and prevents “hidden” mould from forming in the gap.

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Managing condensation

In many NZ homes, morning condensation is a reality. Wiping it away daily is essential for preventing structural damage and mould. Use a “scoopy” or a microfibre cloth to wipe condensation off windows and sills every morning. This prevents water from seeping into the window frames or onto the carpet, where it can cause rot and long-term dampness issues.

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Draught stopping

Draughts make even a well-heated home feel cold. You can block many minor air leaks without making permanent changes.
  • Door snakes: Use weighted “door snakes” or draught excluders at the base of external doors and internal doors leading to cold zones like garages.
  • Removable tape: You can apply adhesive draught-stopping tape to window frames.
Only use removable adhesive tape. If the tape damages the paintwork upon removal, you may be held liable for the repair cost.
Window film Temporary window film kits can create a “secondary glazing” effect. These are plastic sheets you shrink-wrap over window frames using a hairdryer. They are effective at reducing draughts and heat loss through single-pane glass. These steps are for your comfort and health. Taking these actions does not waive your right to a compliant home. If your home fails the Healthy Homes Standards, your landlord is required to perform structural remediation. For more information on what your landlord is required to do, see Changes requiring your landlord. Sources: