HEALTHY HOMES STANDARDS · MOISTURE AND DRAINAGE

Water moves out, not in.
Guttering, drainage, a ground sheet.

Every NZ rental needs working guttering, downpipes, and stormwater drainage. Where the property has an enclosed sub-floor, a ground moisture barrier is required.

What the standard requires

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of stormwater, surface water, and ground water. That includes working guttering, downpipes, and a stormwater drainage system that moves water away from the building.

Where the property has an enclosed sub floor (most timber framed houses), a ground moisture barrier is required. The barrier sits on the ground under the house and stops moisture from the soil rising into the floor structure. Without it, sub floor air carries that moisture into the living space.

Tenants have a duty to report blocked guttering, broken downpipes, leaks in pipes, and damp in walls or ceilings promptly. Landlords cannot fix what they do not know about.

What to look for in your flat

6 checks
  • Clean, intact guttering with no plants, leaves, or visible sagging.
  • Downpipes that connect to the stormwater system, not just dumping water at the foundation.
  • No standing water around the foundation after rain.
  • No damp patches, water stains, or peeling paint on walls or ceilings.
  • If you can safely look under the house, a polythene barrier covering the soil under the building (a black or clear plastic sheet, typically taped at the joins).
  • Skirting boards and lower wall sections that are not swollen, cracked, or stained.

What to do if it is not in place

4 steps
Document what you see.
Photos of guttering, downpipes, damp patches, and the sub floor if accessible. Note the date.
Email your landlord.
Drainage issues are time sensitive (water damage gets worse fast), so flag urgency.
If the landlord does not respond, serve a 14 day notice to remedy.
For serious leaks the Tribunal can accept a shorter notice period as reasonable.
Apply to the Tenancy Tribunal if the work is not completed.
For active leaks causing damage, you can also apply for an urgent hearing.

Compliance status

Private rentals were required to meet the moisture and drainage standard by 1 July 2025. Ground moisture barrier installation in enclosed sub floors is part of that requirement.

Common exemptions

Ground moisture barriers are only required where the sub floor is enclosed and accessible. Properties built on concrete slabs, or with fully open sub floors, are exempt from that part of the standard. For the full list, see Tenancy Services on Healthy Homes exemptions.

The other four standards

Sources

This page summarises the moisture and drainage standard as published by Tenancy Services and the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. For the authoritative wording, see Tenancy Services on the moisture and drainage standard.

Last updated . Flatchat is not your lawyer; if your tenancy is heading to the Tribunal, talk to Tenancy Services or a qualified advocate.

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Damp under a house is invisible until it shows up on the skirting boards. Tenant reviews on Flatchat call out the flats that smell musty all winter, not just the ones with obvious leaks.

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