GLCA NEWS – JULY 2025

HEALTHY HOMES STANDARDS NOW IN FORCE

As of 2 July 2025, compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards is mandatory for all residential rental properties in New Zealand. These standards, introduced in 2019 and phased in since 2021, aim to ensure warmer, drier, and healthier living environments for tenants.

What the Standards Cover

Landlords must meet minimum requirements in the following five areas:

1. Heating

The main living room must have a fixed, qualifying heater with a minimum capacity of 1.5 kW and a thermostat (for electric heaters or heat pumps). Open fires and unflued combustion heaters are prohibited. There is an alternative compliance pathway and exemptions for certified passive buildings or where installation is not reasonably practicable.

2. Insulation

Ceilings and underfloor areas must be fully covered by qualifying insulation unless another domestic space is directly above or below. Exemptions apply where installation is impractical or where pre-existing insulation met previous requirements.

3. Ventilation

All habitable rooms must have openable windows or external doors (unless legally exempt). Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans or meet alternative ventilation criteria. Exemptions apply when installation is not reasonably practicable or was not legally required at the time of construction.

4. Draught Stopping

Open fireplaces must be blocked unless agreed otherwise with tenants. All unreasonable gaps or holes that let air in or out must be sealed, regardless of the building’s age or condition.

5. Moisture and Drainage

Properties must have efficient drainage systems including gutters, downpipes, and appropriate outfalls. If the subfloor area is enclosed and the floor is suspended, a ground moisture barrier must be installed unless impractical.

Ph: 09 522 5182 • Fax: 09 522 5183
PO Box: 74 322 Greenlane, Auckland 1546
Website: www.glca.co.nz
Address: 280 Great South Road Greenlane, Auckland 1051

Exemptions to the Standards

• Not Reasonably Practicable: Applies when installation requires substantial building work, poses unacceptable risks, or is otherwise unfeasible for professional installers.

• New Ownership by Former Tenant: Landlords have 12 months to comply if the tenant was the previous owner and tenancy began immediately after the purchase.

• Demolition or Major Rebuild: Temporary exemption where demolition or significant rebuilding is planned.

• Limited Ownership in Shared Buildings: Applies when a landlord does not own the entire tenancy building and cannot install or provide required features in shared or inaccessible areas.

Ongoing Responsibilities

Landlords must:

• Maintain records proving compliance.

• Keep all heating, insulation, and ventilation systems in good working order or replace them in a timely manner.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance is considered an unlawful act. Tenants may be awarded exemplary damages of up to $7,200.

Criticism

Some landlords have criticised the scheme’s limited scope. In a June 28, 2025 New Zealand Herald article, landlord Peter Lewis questioned why the standards do not apply to owner-occupied homes, retirement villages, or motels.

Contact Greenlane CA Limited Today

Email: info@glca.co.nz
Phone: +64-09-522-5182
Website: www.glca.co.nz
Address: 97 Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland

Disclaimer

This newsletter is published by Greenlane CA Limited for informational purposes only. The content provided herein is of a general nature and does not constitute professional tax, accounting, legal, or financial advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this newsletter, Greenlane CA Limited makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or currency of the information.

Readers should not act or refrain from acting based solely on the information in this newsletter without first seeking professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and the application of these laws depends on the particular facts and circumstances of each case.

Greenlane CA Limited, its directors, employees, and agents accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense (whether direct, indirect, consequential, or otherwise) incurred by any person as a result of relying on the information contained in this newsletter, or any errors or omissions therein, howsoever caused.