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.
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CEILING INSULATION
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.
UNDERFLOOR INSULATION
More than 10% of heat can be lost, without floor insulation. Underfloor insulation can reduce draughts and dampness, and helps area stay warm.
MOISTURE INGRESS
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).
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
Moisture in homes can come from outside - you need to consider moisture that builds in the subfloor or leaking drains.
DRAINAGE & GUTTERING
Efficient drainage, guttering, and ground moisture barriers (for an enclosed subfloor space) are crucial to prevent dampness.
GROUND MOISTURE BARRIER
Ground moisture barriers are usually sheets of polythene, which you or a professional can install. It is simple, easy, and low cost
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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