The New Zealand Healthy Homes Standards are a set of minimum standards that private landlords must meet in their rental properties. They cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. Understanding what is required — and when — is essential for all Canterbury landlords and property managers.
The Five Standards
1. Heating Standard
All rental properties must have a fixed heating device capable of heating the main living room to at least 18°C. The device must meet specific heat output requirements based on the size and location of the room. Most homes in Canterbury require a heat pump, wood burner or other compliant heating device.
2. Insulation Standard
Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet the standard, with specific R-values required depending on the climate zone. Canterbury is in Zone 2, which means higher R-values are required than in warmer parts of New Zealand. Existing insulation that was installed before 1 July 2019 and is still in reasonable condition may be acceptable, but must be at least 120mm in the ceiling.
3. Ventilation Standard
Rental properties must have opening windows or skylights in all rooms used for sleeping and living. Kitchens and bathrooms must have an extractor fan, and these fans must be ducted to the outside — not to the ceiling cavity.
4. Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard
Landlords must have efficient drainage for the removal of stormwater, surface water and ground water. Where a subfloor space exists, an appropriate ground moisture barrier must be in place to prevent moisture rising into the property.
5. Draught Stopping Standard
Landlords must block unnecessary gaps and holes in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors that allow unreasonable draughts. Unused fireplaces must be closed off or the chimney blocked.
Compliance Deadlines
All private landlords with existing tenancy agreements were required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards by 1 July 2025. All new or renewed tenancy agreements required compliance within 90 days of the tenancy start date from 1 July 2021.
How Selwyn Property Services Can Help
We carry out a wide range of healthy homes compliance work across Canterbury including:
- Subfloor vapour barrier installation and repair
- Extractor fan installation and re-ducting to exterior
- Draught stopping — doors, windows, penetrations
- Ceiling and underfloor insulation assessments
- General remedial work to achieve compliance
If you are unsure whether your rental property meets the Healthy Homes Standards, contact us for an assessment and free quote. We work closely with property managers and landlords across Selwyn and Canterbury.