By the Manage For You team · Updated October 2026
Important: this guide is a summary as at October 2026. The rules are detailed and can change, so check the full standards on tenancy.govt.nz or get advice before relying on it.
Since 1 July 2025, all private rentals must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Every new or renewed tenancy agreement must also include a statement confirming the property complies, and landlords must keep records that show it.
Heating
The main living room needs one or more fixed heaters that can warm it to at least 18°C. The required heating capacity is worked out with the official heating assessment tool, based on the room's size, windows and insulation. Heat pumps are the usual answer. Open fires and unflued gas heaters don't count.
Insulation
Ceilings and underfloors need insulation that meets the 2008 Building Code levels, or for existing ceiling insulation, at least 120mm thick and in reasonable condition. Older Auckland homes often have underfloor foil that's torn or ineffective, and it usually needs replacing.
Ventilation
Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and bedrooms need windows or doors that open to the outside. Kitchens and bathrooms need extractor fans vented to the outside, of the required capacity.
Moisture ingress and drainage
The property needs efficient drainage for stormwater, surface water and groundwater, including gutters and downpipes. If there's an enclosed subfloor, a ground moisture barrier (usually polythene sheeting) is needed where it's reasonably practical to install one.
Draught stopping
Unreasonable gaps and holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors that cause draughts must be blocked. Unused open fireplaces must be closed off, unless the tenant agrees in writing to use it.
The records you need
- Heating assessment results and the heater's specifications
- Insulation details: location, type, R-value or thickness, and condition
- Extractor fan specifications and installation invoices
- Ground moisture barrier details and photos
- Invoices and photos for draught-stopping work
- The Healthy Homes compliance statement in each tenancy agreement
Common issues in older Auckland homes
In the weatherboard and brick-and-tile homes common across West Auckland, the items we see most often are underfloor insulation that's damaged or missing, no ground moisture barrier, bathroom fans that vent into the ceiling space instead of outside, and heat pumps too small for an open-plan living area.
If we manage your property, we keep the Healthy Homes records and prepare the compliance statement for every new or renewed tenancy agreement, free on both of our management plans.
Common questions
What happens if my rental doesn't comply?
A tenant can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal, which can order work and award exemplary damages. Failing to include an accurate compliance statement is also an unlawful act.
Do the standards apply to boarding houses and sleepouts?
Boarding houses have their own requirements. A sleepout rented as part of the tenancy is generally part of the premises, so check how the standards apply to it.