The Healthy Homes Standards were introduced in 2019 to set clear, nationwide benchmarks for the quality and comfort of rental housing in New Zealand. These minimum standards cover five key areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, draught stopping, and moisture control/drainage. The goal is to ensure every rental property provides a warm, dry, and healthy living environment for tenants.
Previously, from 1 July 2021, landlords were required to make any new or renewed tenancy compliant within 120 days of the tenancy starting. As of 1 July 2025, the full legislation now applies to all private rental properties across New Zealand, regardless of when the tenancy began or what type it is.
The focus for landlords now is to maintain ongoing compliance, keep accurate documentation, and plan any upgrades that best suit Dunedin’s colder climate. Doing this helps reduce maintenance costs, prevent vacancy, and attract long-term, quality tenants.
If you'd like professional help keeping your property compliant and well maintained, our property management services make sure everything stays up to standard.
The information below provides an overview of the standards. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, technical details, and exemptions please refer to the Tenancy Services website.
What are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements to ensure that every rental property in New Zealand provides a safe, warm, and healthy environment for tenants. There are five standards. Below is a breakdown of each key standard, with practical guidance and notes specific to Dunedin and the wider Otago region.
1. Heating Standards
Every rental property must have a fixed, efficient heater in the main living room that provides at least 1.5 kW of heating output and meets the minimum heating capacity required for the size of the space. Acceptable heating options include:
- A heat pump (the most common and energy-efficient choice)
- A wood burner or pellet burner
- A flued gas heater
Before installing or upgrading a heater, use the official Healthy Homes heating calculator on the Tenancy Services website to confirm the required output for your living room.
In smaller homes or units, a lower-capacity fixed heater may be sufficient if it still meets the calculated requirement.
Open fires and portable heaters do not meet the Healthy Homes heating standard.
2. Ceiling and Underfloor Insulation Standards
All rental properties must have ceiling and underfloor insulation throughout the home unless the area is inaccessible (for example, where the house sits directly on a concrete slab). Dunedin and the Otago region fall under Climate Zone 3, which requires:
- Ceiling insulation with a minimum R-value of 3.3
- Underfloor insulation with a minimum R-value of 1.3
All existing insulation must be in reasonable condition. If it is missing, damaged, or has compressed over time, it must be topped up or replaced.
You can find the R-value on product packaging or on a label stapled to a beam in the roof space. For older homes, it is worth having an insulation specialist check current levels and provide written confirmation of compliance.
3. Ventilation Standards
Every rental home must have adequate ventilation to reduce moisture and maintain air quality.
All living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms must have at least one window, door, or skylight that opens directly to the outside.
These openings must be able to remain fixed in an open position and must provide an openable area equal to at least 5 percent of the floor area of that room.
Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans that vent moisture directly outdoors, not into the ceiling or roof space.
The fans must meet these minimum size requirements:
- Kitchen fans: minimum diameter 150 mm
- Bathroom fans: minimum diameter 120 mm
Good ventilation is especially important in Dunedin’s damp and cooler climate to prevent mould, condensation, and long-term damage.
4. Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standards
Rental properties must have an efficient drainage system to remove stormwater, surface water, and groundwater to an appropriate outfall. This includes gutters, downpipes, and drains that collect water from the roof.
If the property has an enclosed subfloor, a ground moisture barrier must be installed. This is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop moisture from rising into the home.
In Dunedin, where many homes sit on older foundations or sloped sections, drainage issues are common. Regularly clearing gutters and checking for blockages helps prevent water damage and maintain compliance.
5. Draught Stopping Standards
All rental homes must be free from unreasonable gaps or holes larger than 3 mm that cause noticeable draughts. This includes around:
- Windows and doors
- Floorboards and skirting
- Fireplaces and chimneys (if unused)
Even small gaps can lead to significant heat loss during winter. Inspect for cracks, worn door seals, or unsealed vents and repair where needed. Unused open fireplaces should be permanently blocked or the chimney sealed.
Our regular rental inspections also help identify draughts early. Learn more about our property management services.
Smart upgrades for Dunedin homes
Dunedin and the wider Otago region experience colder winters than much of the North Island. Undersized heaters or poor ventilation quickly lead to condensation, mould, and tenant complaints.
When upgrading, always use the official Tenancy Services heating calculator with accurate room measurements to ensure correct capacity. In older villas or bungalows with high ceilings, higher-capacity or low-temperature performance heat pumps are often required to handle frosty mornings.
For student or flatting properties, make sure bathroom and kitchen fans meet the required specifications and vent directly outside. This simple step prevents dampness and structural damage.
What if your property doesn't comply?
If your rental property does not meet the Healthy Homes Standards, it cannot be legally rented until it does. Landlords who fail to comply are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and may face financial penalties of up to $7,200.
Not sure where to start? We can help
If you’re unsure how to assess your property or where to begin, South Property Management can help. We've been managing Healthy Homes compliance checks since 2019 across Dunedin and the wider Otago region. Our team work with contractors who will inspect your property and identify what’s required, and then work with trusted local trades to get it up to standard quickly and correctly. Contact our team for quick chat.
Alternatively, you can explore the Healthy Homes Toolkit available on the Tenancy Services website, which provides detailed guidance and official tools to help landlords stay compliant.