As a landlord, understanding and staying ahead of compliance requirements is essential—not just to meet legal obligations but to safeguard your investment and provide tenants with quality, healthy homes. One regulation at the forefront is the Healthy Homes Standards, with a fast-approaching deadline of 1 July 2025. Here’s what landlords need to know, and how Total Property can make the process smooth and stress-free.
What Landlords Need to Know About the Healthy Homes Standards
The Healthy Homes Standards were introduced to lift the quality of rental properties across New Zealand, ensuring they are warmer, drier, and healthier. These standards set clear minimum requirements in five key areas:
1. Heating
Landlords must install a fixed heating source capable of warming the main living room to at least 18°C.
2. Insulation
Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet specific R-value levels, ensuring effective thermal performance.
3. Ventilation
Kitchens and bathrooms must have properly installed extractor fans, and all habitable rooms need to include windows that can open to the outside.
4. Moisture Ingress & Drainage
Rental properties must have adequate guttering, downpipes, and drainage systems to prevent water damage and dampness.
5. Draught Stopping
Any gaps, holes, or unnecessary openings causing draughts must be sealed to retain heat and improve energy efficiency.
This is crucial information landlords need to know to remain compliant and provide safe, livable spaces.
Your Responsibility as a Landlord
By 1 July 2025, it is your legal responsibility to ensure your rental property meets all Healthy Homes Standards. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, affect your tenancy agreements, and damage your reputation as a responsible landlord.
However, the steps required to meet compliance—especially in older homes—can involve significant upgrades, from insulation improvements to moisture control solutions.
Why Landlords Should Act Now
Here’s something else landlords need to know: leaving compliance checks until the last minute is risky.
Contractor availability, material costs, and project timelines will all be under pressure as the deadline nears. Acting early allows you to:
- Secure trusted tradespeople.
- Spread out costs and budget accordingly.
- Avoid last-minute delays or increased expenses.
How Total Property Can Help Landlords Meet Compliance
At Total Property, we understand what landlords need to know—and do—to stay compliant.
We offer a comprehensive service designed to take the stress out of meeting the Healthy Homes Standards. Our team handles everything, from initial assessments through to managing necessary renovations and upgrades. Here’s how we can help:
- Detailed property assessments to pinpoint non-compliant areas.
- Coordination of reliable contractors for insulation, heating, ventilation, and drainage work.
- Project management, ensuring your property is ready well ahead of the 2025 deadline.
- Compliance assurance, so you can rest easy knowing your property meets all legal standards.
Long-Term Compliance: Protecting Your Investment
Compliance isn’t a one-off task. Once your property meets the standards, ongoing maintenance and periodic checks are key to ensuring long-term compliance. This also helps retain tenant satisfaction and protects your property’s value.
Contact Total Property Today
The most important thing landlords need to know? Don’t wait.
Get ahead of the deadline, avoid costly delays, and safeguard your investment. Contact Total Property today to book a compliance assessment and start your Healthy Homes upgrade plan.