Healthy Home Standard

Warm, dry and well-maintained homes matter for tenants and owners. New Zealand’s healthy homes standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. Rental properties must meet the standards unless an applicable exemption applies.

What do the standards cover?

Heating: qualifying fixed heating for the main living room must meet the required capacity. Insulation: ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet the applicable requirements. Ventilation: opening windows or doors and extraction in kitchens and bathrooms help remove moisture. Moisture and drainage: drainage, gutters and downpipes must work effectively, with ground moisture barriers where required. Draught stopping: unreasonable gaps and holes that cause noticeable draughts must be addressed.

There are detailed requirements and exceptions. For the current rules and what to look for, see Tenancy Services’ healthy homes guidance. Landlords should keep evidence of compliance and include the required statement in relevant tenancy agreements.

If you notice dampness or a repair issue

Tell your property manager promptly about leaks, faulty heating or extraction, persistent dampness or mould. The cause matters: a property defect may require repair, while ventilation, heating and cleaning can also affect indoor moisture. Discuss concerns early rather than assuming a single cause.

Talk with our team

Tenants can contact our Te Anau office on 03 249 8989. Owners can read healthy homes and landlord responsibilities or contact Penny Shanks. General information reviewed November 2026; check Tenancy Services for current details and exemptions.