Whether you’re a landlord, a buyer, or a seller, the Healthy Homes Standards aren’t just guidelines—they’re enforceable regulations. And ignoring them? That can cost you.
Here’s what they actually mean, what we look for during an inspection, and how they affect your next move in the property market.
What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of minimum requirements that all rental properties in New Zealand must meet.
They cover:
- Heating – A fixed heating source in the main living room
- Insulation – Ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets current standards
- Ventilation – Windows that open and extractor fans in bathrooms/kitchens
- Moisture & Drainage – Proper drainage and moisture barriers under the home
- Draught Stopping – Gaps or holes that let cold air in must be sealed
These aren’t optional. If your rental isn’t up to code, you’re at risk of fines and tenancy disputes.
Why This Matters for Landlords:
- You’re legally responsible for compliance—and tenants are becoming more aware of their rights.
- If you can’t prove your property meets the Healthy Homes requirements:
- You could face penalties of up to $7,200 per breach
- You risk being taken to the Tenancy Tribunal
- You’ll likely struggle to attract quality tenants
We’ve seen landlords caught out because they assumed a tidy house was compliant. It doesn’t work that way. You need documentation—and a professional assessment to back it up.
How It Affects Buyers and Sellers:
Buying a rental? Selling one? Here’s where it gets real.
Buyers: If you’re investing, you need to know whether the property meets the standards—or what it’ll cost to get there.
Sellers: A non-compliant rental can stall deals or lead to post-sale disputes if the buyer discovers hidden issues.
During a pre-purchase or pre-sale inspection, we often include a Healthy Homes compliance check (if requested), so you know exactly where things stand.
What We Check in a Healthy Homes Assessment
As part of a full inspection, or as a standalone service, we’ll assess:
- Whether the heating source meets the required kilowatt output
- Insulation type, condition, and thickness
- Proper installation of extractor fans and ventilation
- Drainage and presence of ground moisture barriers
- Gaps around windows, doors, floorboards, and service pipes
You get a written compliance report, which can be used to guide upgrades—or to prove your property meets the standard.
Final Word
Healthy Homes isn’t just another rule—it’s now part of owning or investing in property in New Zealand.
Whether you’re trying to stay compliant, avoid penalties, or make sure a property won’t come back to bite you after purchase, the key is clarity.
At PRO CHECK, we carry out independent Healthy Homes assessments with clear reports, no fluff, and fast turnaround—so you know exactly where you stand.
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