What Are the Key Requirements of Healthy Homes Standards ?

Every rental property in New Zealand must provide more than just shelter—it must provide a healthy and safe living environment.
That’s where the Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) come in. Designed to ensure rental homes are warm, dry, and safe, these standards are now a key part of New Zealand’s residential rental market—and compliance is not optional.

Whether you’re a landlord managing a single property or a growing portfolio, understanding the Healthy Homes Standards is essential for protecting your investment, meeting legal obligations, and providing a quality living experience for your tenants.

Why Healthy Homes Standards Matter

Introduced by the New Zealand Government, the Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, and drainage in rental properties. The goal is simple: to ensure every tenant has access to a warm, dry, and healthy home—something every person deserves.

But for landlords, meeting these standards is more than just about compliance. It’s about protecting your property, maintaining its value, and avoiding costly penalties.

At TBT Property Management, we help landlords across Auckland navigate these requirements with ease—ensuring your property meets all standards without the stress of managing it alone.

The 5 Key Requirements of Healthy Homes Standards:

1. Heating Standard

Every rental property must have a fixed heating source in the main living area that can warm the room to at least 18°C on the coldest days.

This heating source must be energy-efficient and permanent—such as a heat pump, wood burner, or flued gas heater. Portable or unflued heaters don’t meet the standard.

Why it matters:
A properly heated home reduces dampness, prevents mould growth, and improves overall tenant health. It also lowers long-term maintenance costs for landlords by reducing damage caused by condensation.

2. Insulation Standard

Adequate ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental properties. If insulation was installed before 2016, it must still meet current standards for thickness and condition.

Landlords must ensure the insulation is in good repair, with no gaps, tears, or dampness.

Why it matters:
Insulation is one of the simplest ways to improve comfort, reduce heating costs, and maintain energy efficiency. It helps keep tenants happy—and happy tenants stay longer.

3. Ventilation Standard

Proper ventilation is required in all living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. This means each room must have windows or doors that can open, and bathrooms and kitchens must have extractor fans that vent to the outside.

Why it matters:
Good ventilation prevents mould and mildew, improves air quality, and protects both tenants and the property structure. It’s a small upgrade that can prevent big maintenance issues later.

4. Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard

Rental properties must have an effective drainage system to remove stormwater, surface water, and groundwater. If the property has a subfloor (space beneath the floor), a ground moisture barrier must be installed to prevent rising dampness.

Why it matters:
Moisture can cause long-term structural damage and unhealthy indoor air. A proper drainage system protects your property investment and ensures tenants live in a dry, safe home.

5. Draught Stopping Standard

All unnecessary gaps or holes that cause noticeable draughts must be blocked or repaired. This includes cracks around windows, doors, floorboards, and chimneys.

Why it matters:
Eliminating draughts improves energy efficiency and helps the heating system work more effectively, keeping tenants comfortable while lowering power bills.

The Benefits of Meeting Healthy Homes Standards:

  1. Legal Compliance
    Avoid penalties and disputes with tenants by ensuring your property fully meets the government’s requirements.

  2. Higher Tenant Retention
    Tenants stay longer and take better care of a home that feels comfortable and safe.

  3. Better Market Value
    A compliant property attracts more interest, rents faster, and can justify higher rental rates.

  4. Reduced Maintenance Costs
    By preventing dampness and mould, you reduce long-term property damage.

  5. Peace of Mind for Landlords
    Knowing your property is legally compliant and well-maintained gives you complete confidence in your investment.

How TBT Property Management Can Help

At TBT Property Management, we take the stress out of compliance. Our experienced Auckland property managers ensure your rental meets all Healthy Homes Standards—from initial inspection to final certification.

We manage every detail, including:

  • Full Healthy Homes inspections and reports

  • Coordination with qualified contractors for heating, insulation, and ventilation upgrades

  • Regular compliance checks before and during tenancies

  • Tenant education on maintaining a healthy home

Our goal is to protect your investment while ensuring your tenants enjoy a safe, warm, and comfortable home.

Stay Ahead of Compliance—Partner with TBT Property Management

Healthy Homes compliance isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing responsibility. By partnering with a trusted property management team, you can stay compliant, maintain tenant satisfaction, and protect your rental’s long-term value.

If you’re a landlord in Auckland and want to ensure your property meets the Healthy Homes Standards, we’re here to help.

Reach out to TBT Property Management today to book an inspection or discuss how we can manage your property efficiently and compliantly.

Visit www.tbt.nz to learn more about our services.
Contact us today and let’s make your rental Healthy Homes compliant—before it’s too late.

TBT Property Management – Where smart living meets better service.

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