Healthy Homes Standards

A rental home needs a property-specific check of the Healthy Homes requirements and supporting records. A new build, recent purchase or tidy presentation does not by itself establish compliance.

The standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. Check the applicable requirements and any valid exemptions rather than using a single checklist figure for every home.

Heating the main living room

The main living room needs qualifying fixed heating with sufficient capacity. Portable heaters do not satisfy the fixed-heating requirement. The required capacity and any permitted existing-heater treatment depend on the home and the rules.

Use Tenancy Services’ heating guidance and an appropriate assessment before selecting equipment.

Ceiling and underfloor insulation

Check the insulation’s type, condition, installation and required performance, including any relevant existing-insulation treatment or exemption. Requirements can depend on the property’s circumstances, consent and installation dates; a blanket Waikato R-value statement is not enough to assess every property.

Keep the evidence behind the assessment and use the current insulation guidance.

Ventilation

Check the requirements for openable windows or external doors in relevant rooms and qualifying extraction in kitchens and bathrooms. Applicable alternatives and exemptions must be considered for the actual home. An extractor fan’s presence alone does not establish that the ventilation requirements are met.

Moisture ingress and drainage

Assess drainage, guttering and downpipes, and whether a ground moisture barrier is required for an enclosed subfloor. Any exemption needs the relevant grounds and records; it should not be assumed simply because access is inconvenient.

Draught stopping

Check unreasonable gaps or holes that allow noticeable draughts, along with unused open fireplaces and chimneys. Identify the work required for the property rather than relying on its age or appearance.

The Healthy Homes guidance hub links to each standard and its technical detail. The Healthy Homes Standards Regulations contain the legal requirements.

Keep statements and evidence current

New or renewed tenancy agreements need the applicable signed compliance information. Keep assessments, relevant invoices, product information and records of completed work together so the statements can be supported.

Check the property again when equipment, building work or its condition changes. Read the current compliance guidance and statement requirements.

Other safety and maintenance responsibilities

Healthy Homes is one part of looking after a rental property. Working smoke alarms have separate requirements, and repairs still need attention throughout a tenancy. Use the smoke alarm guidance and report concerns promptly.

Insurance terms also need to be checked with the insurer. Do not assume compliance guarantees cover for every claim.

Discuss the work and management arrangements

Talk with Nexus about the property’s needs, the management service and what specialist assessment or work may be required. Confirm responsibilities, authority, costs and how records will be kept before arranging work.

Explore our landlord resources or request a rental appraisal. An appraisal is a rent estimate and does not certify compliance.

Talk with Nexus about your rental property

Use the form below or call 07 839 2222 to discuss management arrangements and the records needed for your property. Confirm any specialist assessment, work and costs with the team.