know the standards

follow the healthy homes standards to ensure your home is compliant

We know understanding the Healthy Homes Standards can sometimes be difficult. To help you out we've put together an overview of each of the standards so you can easily grasp them.

heating

There must be fixed heating devices that can heat the living area to at least 18°C. Usually, it will be large like a heat pump but sometimes a small fixed electric heater is sufficient.

HEAT PUMPS

Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating. It provides a warmer winter and cooler summer.

HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS

Heat transfer systems shift excess heat from one space to another to improve warmth. This may reduce the need for additional heating.

HEATERS

Efficient panel heaters are recommended to keep smaller areas warm and dry.

insulation

Ceiling and underfloor insulation must either, meet the 2008 Building Code, or (if existing for ceiling) be at least 120mm thick. No work needed, if compliant with 2016 code.

Up to 40% of heat can be lost, without ceiling insulation, during winter. With this insulation it stays warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing costs.

CEILING INSULATION

More than 10% of heat can be lost, without floor insulation. Underfloor insulation can reduce draughts and dampness, and helps area stay warm.

UNDERFLOOR INSULATION

Up to 25% of heat can be lost through the walls in an uninsulated home. Wall insulation can be retrofitted to help reduce this and keep spaces warmer for tenant(s).

MOISTURE INGRESS

ventilation

Openable windows/doors is required in living and dining areas, kitchen and bedrooms. Spaces with a bath/shower or indoor cooktop must have a suitably sized extractor fan(s).

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Home ventilation systems use ducting and fans to remove moist air. These can control the home's condensation and cost less to run.

SMART VENT SYSTEMS

Smart vent systems control condensation making the area warmer and reducing the need for additional heating.

NATURAL VENTILATION

Open windows/doors during the day allows natural airflow/ventilation. This may be enough and is recommended as the first step.

moisture ingress & drainage

Landlords must ensure efficient drainage and guttering. If a rental property has an enclosed subfloor, it must have a ground moisture barrier if possible to install one.

Moisture in homes can come from outside - you need to consider moisture that builds in the subfloor or leaking drains.

MOISTURE

Efficient drainage, guttering, and ground moisture barriers (for an enclosed subfloor space) are crucial to prevent dampness.

DRAINAGE & GUTTERING

Ground moisture barriers are usually sheets of polythene, which you or a professional can install. It is simple, easy, and low cost

GROUND MOISTURE BARRIER

draught stopping

Landlords must stop any unreasonable gaps and holes that cause noticeable draughts. Any unused fireplaces and chimneys must be blocked.

WINDOWS & DOORS

If a door or window has an unnecessary gap which results in draughts, it needs to be stopped. See the technical guidance document to find these.

FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS

Any unused fireplaces and chimneys must be blocked off.

compliance timeframes

2021

01 JULY

Private landlords must ensure their rental properties comply with healthy homes standards within 90 days of any new tenancy; all boarding houses must comply with the healthy homes standards.

2023

01 JULY

All Housing New Zealand houses and registered Community Housing Providers houses must comply with the healthy homes standards.

2024

01 JULY

All rental homes must comply with the healthy homes standards.

For further and related details about the standards, visit the the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Website.

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