Five standards. One law.
Know what your flat owes you.
Every rental in New Zealand has to meet five minimum standards covering heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, and draughts. Here is what each one requires.
What the standards are
The Healthy Homes Standards are minimum requirements set under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. They cover five areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. Landlords are responsible for making sure their properties meet the standards, and for keeping them compliant over time.
Compliance deadlines
As of today every rental property in New Zealand should already meet all five standards. If yours does not, that is a breach of the law and you have options.
The five standards
Heating
A fixed heater in the main living room, sized to warm the space properly. Portable heaters do not count.
Insulation
Ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the minimum specification for your part of the country.
Ventilation
An openable window or door in every habitable room, plus extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
Moisture and drainage
Working guttering, downpipes, and stormwater drainage, plus a ground moisture barrier where there is an enclosed sub-floor.
Draught stopping
Unreasonable gaps in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors blocked so they do not cause noticeable draughts.
Tenant checklist before you sign
Run this list at the viewing, or in the first week of a new tenancy if you did not get a viewing.
A portable heater does not satisfy the standard. Look for a heat pump, fireplace, or wall mounted electric heater that is installed, not plugged in by an extension cord.
If your flat is not up to standard
Most issues get fixed once a landlord knows the problem is in writing. The four step pathway below is what the Tenancy Tribunal expects you to have followed before they hear a case.
What landlords face for non compliance
Landlords who do not meet the Healthy Homes Standards are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. The Tribunal can order financial penalties of up to $7,200 for a general breach. A separate penalty of up to $500 per tenancy applies if the landlord fails to include a Healthy Homes compliance statement in the tenancy agreement.
Sources
Last updated . Flatchat is not your lawyer; for case specific advice, contact Tenancy Services or a qualified advocate.
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