Healthy Homes Standards NZ: June 30 Compliance Deadline for Landlords
- Staircase Financial
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Time is running out. By 30 June 2025, every rental property in New Zealand must fully comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. For private landlords and property investors, this is not just a box-ticking exercise – failure to meet the standards can lead to severe financial penalties and damage to your reputation.
So, what exactly are these standards? And more importantly, what happens if you don’t comply? This guide breaks down exactly what’s required, what penalties you could face, and how to ensure your rental property is fully compliant with Healthy Homes requirements before the deadline.
What Are the Healthy Homes Standards in New Zealand?
The Healthy Homes Standards were introduced to ensure all rental properties are warm, dry, safer and healthier to live in. There are five key compliance areas that landlords must meet:
Heating : A fixed heater (such as a heat pump or wood burner) must be capable of warming the main living area to at least 18°C on a cold winter day.
Insulation: Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet 2008 Building Code standards or have been upgraded where needed. Insulation must be in good condition.
Ventilation: All living rooms and bedrooms must have opening windows, and kitchens and bathrooms must have working extractor fans.
Moisture & Drainage: All rental homes must have effective drainage systems and, where required, a ground moisture barrier under suspended floors.
Draught Stopping: Any gaps or holes that cause unreasonable draughts (such as around doors, windows, and unused chimneys) must be sealed.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failing to meet Healthy Homes requirements is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act. The consequences are serious:
Fines of up to $7,200 can be issued per breach, per property. If your property fails in multiple areas – say, heating and insulation – you could be on the hook for multiple penalties.
Fines apply regardless of whether you are unaware, disorganized, or deliberately non compliant.
Administrative errors such as failing to include a Healthy Homes compliance statement in the tenancy agreement – can result in a $500 fine. Providing misleading information in one can cost $900.
Real-Life Penalties Issued in New Zealand
On top of any fines there can also be even more severe outcomes:
Two Auckland landlords were fined a combined $25,900 in exemplary damages and compensation to tenants after failing to meet Healthy Homes requirements.
Another landlord in Auckland was ordered to pay $4,168 for ignoring an official improvement notice.
A Christchurch landlord must pay $13,400 in exemplary damages and rent refunds after MBIE’s Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team (TCIT) identified various issues, including a detached garage that had been unlawfully converted into a residential unit, daylight visible through gaps in the wall and ceiling, exposed batts, insufficient smoke alarms, a leaking roof and external guttering running through and overflowing into the dining room.
Tenants are increasingly aware of their rights, and complaints to the Tenancy Tribunal are becoming more frequent. The 2025 Healthy Homes compliance deadline is expected to spark a wave of tenant claims and inspections.
Healthy Homes Compliance Checklist for NZ Landlords
Before 30 June 2025, make sure you've covered all of the following:
Heat source installed in the main living area.
Ceiling and underfloor insulation is compliant.
Windows open, extractor fans functioning.
Ground moisture barrier in place (if needed).
No draughts, gaps, or unsealed spaces.
Compliance statement included in tenancy agreement.
All documentation up-to-date and accessible.
How Staircase Helps You Stay Compliant
The complexity and risk around Healthy Homes compliance are precisely why many property owners turn to professional managers. At Staircase Property Management, we simplify Healthy Homes compliance so you don’t have to stress about legislative changes or costly fines.
Our expert property management team:
Conducts detailed Healthy Homes assessments.
Engages certified tradespeople for upgrades or repairs.
Ensures all documentation and compliance records are lodged and up to date.
And most importantly, stays ahead of legislative changes so you don’t have to.
You get peace of mind knowing your property is compliant, your tenants are looked after, and your investment is protected from costly legal breaches.
"Staircase Property Management are superb and my property manager is simply phenomenal. She has such commitment to excellence, expertise and professionalism. She really delivers fantastic end to end Property Management." - Mike S
"I wanted to take a moment to recognize the exceptional service provided by my Staircase property management. From the very beginning, my manager has been responsive, professional, and dedicated to ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Whether it’s handling maintenance requests, addressing concerns, or providing regular updates, his communication has always been clear and timely." - Maihi W
Beat the Deadline: Get Help Today
June 30 isn’t just another date – it’s a hard legal deadline. If you’re unsure whether your property is fully compliant with the Healthy Homes Standards NZ, now is the time to act.
Book a free consultation with Staircase and get expert support from a team that specializes in keeping landlords protected.
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