Healthy Homes Standards FAQs
These are some of the most common (and not-so-common) questions we’ve seen when it comes to finding tradies for the Healthy Homes Standards in New Zealand.
About the Healthy Homes Standards
The Healthy Homes Standards are part of the New Zealand Residential Tenancies Act to ensure private rental properties provide a warm, dry, and healthy living environment. They cover five key areas: insulation, heating, ventilation, moisture control, and draught stopping.
All landlords with private rental properties must comply. This includes long-term rentals, boarding houses, and some short-term rentals. Compliance deadlines depend on tenancy types and agreements.
All private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2025.
Failure to meet Healthy Homes Standards can result in fines of up to $7,200. The Tenancy Tribunal may also order landlords to complete necessary repairs at their own cost.
You can conduct a self-assessment or hire a professional to carry out a building inspection. An experienced tradie can identify any issues and complete necessary upgrades to ensure your property meets all requirements.
Tradies for the Healthy Homes Standards
The Healthy Homes legislation allows landlords to carry out work themselves only where a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) or Licensed Gas Worker (LGW) is not required. Landlords must employ these licensed workers when it comes to restricted work.
These are the key tradespeople you’ll need for your compliance upgrades:
- Insulation specialists: Insulation and moisture barrier work is tightly coupled. The moisture ingress standard requires a ground moisture barrier in most cases, alongside underfloor insulation. Note that any moisture barrier work involving drainage will require a licensed plumber or drainlayer regulated by the PGDB.
- Electricians: You’ll need a licensed electrician (LEW) to perform electrical work on rangehoods, extractor fans, and heat pumps. Electricians can also undertake some heat pump installations, however for more complex jobs, you may want to engage a HVAC specialist.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) specialists: HVAC specialists undertake installation and maintenance of heating systems. Note that all gasfitting needs to be done by a licensed gasfitter (LGW).
- Builders or handymen: You’ll need a licensed builder (LBP) for replacing or altering external doors or windows for draught stopping. While a handyman can undertake minor draught stopping work on doors, windows and hinges.
- Plumbers and drainlayers: You’ll need a licensed plumber or drainlayer for remedying more serious moisture ingress issues like installing water pipes or drainage systems.
Ensure you ask for a Code of Compliance(CoC) certificate, or Record of Work (RoW) for any restricted building work, and keep it on file for future tenancies and property maintenance.
It’s essential to hire professionals who are familiar with Healthy Homes Standards. With Builderscrack, you can compare reviews, see accreditations, look at insurance and get multiple quotes.
Most tradies will be able to provide you with proof of work — however, ensure you mention this requirement before hiring them. This is important for record-keeping and proving your rental meets Healthy Homes Standards.
It depends on the type of work needed. Heating and ventilation upgrades depend on the complexity of electrical work, while insulation depends on the total area of the house. Getting quotes from tradies on Builderscrack can help you figure out what’s needed for your property.
While costs vary due to scope and location, here’s a historical summary of what to expect for common Healthy Homes-related jobs:
- Insulation: $550 – $8500, depending on the required top up and total areas of the house
- Heating: $500 – $4000, depending on the required heating capacity
- Ventilation: $250 – $2200, depending on the complexity of the work
- Moisture and drainage improvements: $430 – $960, depending on the size of underfloor area and complexity of work
- Draught stopping: $130 – $4600, depending on complexity and quantity of the work.
Check out our Cost Estimator for more information.
Need a Healthy Homes assessment?
Tell us about your job, and we’ll connect you with the right tradespeople.
Heating & Insulation
Private rental properties must have ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the 2008 Building Code or has a minimum R-value of:
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Ceiling insulation: R 2.9 (Zone 1 & 2), R 3.3 (Zone 3)
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Underfloor insulation: R 1.3 (all zones)
Minimum R-values vary across New Zealand. You can use the map on Tenancy Services website to check what zone your property is in (tenancy.govt.nz). Common insulation materials include:
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Glass wool (Pink Batts or Earthwool) – Affordable and widely used.
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Polyester insulation – Made from recycled plastic, non-irritant.
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Polystyrene insulation – Often used for underfloor insulation.
- Wool Insulation – Natural, moisture-resistant, and eco-friendly, suitable for both ceiling and underfloor insulation.
Insulation must be in good condition, with no gaps, dampness, or damage. If existing insulation was installed before 1 July 2016, it must be at least 120mm thick and in reasonable condition to remain compliant. An insulation expert can recommend the best option for your property.
No, only qualified and licensed electricians should install heat pumps or fixed heaters. They must ensure the unit meets the required kW output to heat the main living area to 18°C efficiently.
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Installing underpowered heat pumps that don’t meet the required kW rating.
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Using unflued gas heaters (which do not comply).
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Placing heaters in ineffective positions that don’t distribute heat properly.
Yes, but it must meet Healthy Homes Standards and be in good working order. It’s best to have a licensed electrician inspect and certify it before installation.
Not always. While newer homes generally have better insulation, it’s best to get a Healthy Homes assessment to confirm compliance.
Ventilation & Moisture Control
Only a qualified electrician should install extractor fans, as they require proper wiring and must be vented outside the home (not just into the roof space). A builder can help with any structural works outside of the electrical system, like ducting a fan externally.
Only bathrooms and kitchens require extractor fans. Other rooms need to have at least a window, door or skylight for natural ventilation that can open and stay open to the outside. The size of the window must be 5% of the floor area of the room.
No, HRV and DVS systems do not replace extractor fans. You still need mechanical ventilation (fans) in kitchens and bathrooms.
A moisture barrier is a thick plastic sheet laid over the ground in the subfloor area to reduce dampness. A handyman or insulation specialist can help you with the installation.
A licensed plumber or drainage specialist should inspect and repair drainage issues like blocked gutters, damaged downpipes, or pooling water.
Draught Stopping
Common draughts that need fixing include:
- Gaps around windows and doors (installing weather stripping).
- Cracked floorboards or skirting gaps.
- Broken window latches or loose-fitting doors.
A handyman or builder from Builderscrack can draught-proof your property quickly.
Yes, but professional draught-proofing is more effective. Builderscrack tradies can install long-term solutions like weather stripping and sealants.
Most minor work (insulation, heating, ventilation) does not require consent. However, major alterations like replacing windows or modifying structures may need approval.
Some builders offer compliance assessments, but tradies who are specialised in Healthy Homes can provide the most accurate reports.
While a handyman can undertake minor draught stopping work on doors, windows and hinges, a licensed builder (LBP) is needed to complete structural works. Other standards like insulation, ventilation, heating, and moisture control often require licensed specialists to ensure compliance. Builderscrack helps you find the right tradie for each specific job.
Exemptions to the Healthy Homes Standards
There are limited exemptions. However, exemptions are rare, and most properties must comply. Some properties may qualify for exemptions, such as:
- Rentals where landlords intend to demolish or redevelop within 12 months.
- Rentals where the tenant was the previous owner and the tenancy started immediately after the sale, an exemption applies for 12 months.
- Multi-unit building where landlord does not own the entire building and compliance isn’t possible in shared areas, a partial exemption applies.
(Source: www.tenancy.govt.nz).
Older private rental properties must still comply unless they meet specific exemption criteria. If compliance seems difficult due to the building’s structure, a property inspector from Builderscrack can assess and recommend practical solutions.
Long-term rentals and sleepouts used as living spaces must comply. However, short-term Airbnb rentals may be exempt unless rented for extended periods. For clarity, seek advice from Tenancy Services.
No, tenants cannot request exemptions. Landlords must ensure compliance regardless of tenant preferences.
Yes, all boarding houses must comply with the standards, and different compliance deadlines may apply.
Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants must use heating, ventilation, and extractor fans properly and notify landlords of any maintenance issues. If tenants prevent necessary repairs, landlords must document attempts to fix the issue.
No, landlords are legally required to complete upgrades. If tenants refuse access for necessary work, landlords should communicate formally and keep records.
Landlords must provide a dry, well-ventilated home, but tenants must also prevent excess moisture by using ventilation and heating. If moisture issues arise, a Builderscrack tradie can assess and fix any underlying problems.
No, landlords must cover the cost of all Healthy Homes upgrades. Charging tenants for compliance work is against the law.
If tenants cause damage to insulation, heating, or ventilation systems, they may be liable for repairs. Landlords should document damage and seek professional repairs as needed.
Penalties & Enforcement
From the 1st of July 2025, all private rentals must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Landlords who fail to comply can face fines of up to $7,200 and may be ordered to complete necessary upgrades.
MBIE, Tenancy Services and the Tenancy Tribunal oversee compliance and handle disputes between landlords and tenants.
The Tenancy Tribunal assesses the severity of non-compliance and issues fines based on the extent of violations.
Yes, landlords can dispute penalties through the Tenancy Tribunal, but they must provide evidence of compliance or reasonable efforts to comply.
Regular property inspections and keeping records of all upgrades can help maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
Ready to get that Healthy Homes job done?
Disclaimer
Presented as of 28th of March 2025. The information provided in this FAQ is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, Healthy Homes Standards and compliance requirements may change over time. We do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of this information to your specific situation.
Landlords should refer to official sources, such as Tenancy Services (tenancy.govt.nz) or consult a qualified professional, for the most current legal and compliance requirements. Builderscrack does not accept any liability for decisions made based on this information.
