Healthy Homes deadline
If you’re a landlord in New Zealand, the final Healthy Homes deadline is here. From 1st July 2025, all private residential rental properties must fully comply with the Healthy Homes Standards—no exceptions, no extensions, and no more grace periods.
In this blog post, we break down what this means for landlords, including key deadlines, compliance responsibilities, and the consequences of getting it wrong.
From the 1st July 2025 , every rental property in New Zealand must meet all five Healthy Homes Standards before any new or existing tenancy can begin or continue. These standards include:
Heating: A fixed heating source in the main living room that meets the required output.
Insulation: Adequate ceiling and underfloor insulation in good condition.
Ventilation: Openable windows in living spaces and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
Moisture Ingress & Drainage: Efficient guttering, downpipes, and drainage to prevent dampness.
Draught Stopping: Blocking of unreasonable gaps and holes
Do I Need to Comply Before a Tenant Moves In?
Yes. As of 1st July 2025, your property must be compliant before any tenancy begins. You can no longer start a tenancy and then work toward compliance—everything must be in place and documented beforehand.
What About Tenancies Signed Before 1st July 2025?
If a tenancy was signed between 3rd March 2025 and 30th June 2025, the property must meet all Healthy Homes Standards by 1st July 2025. Older tenancies that previously had phased compliance dates are also now due.
In short: Every rental property—regardless of when the tenancy began—must be compliant from 1st July 2025 onward.
What If I’ve Been Living in the Property and Now Want to Rent It Out?
If you’ve been living in your home and decide to rent it out, the Healthy Homes Standards still apply. You must ensure the home is fully compliant before your first tenant moves in, and definitely no later than 1st July 2025. There is no additional grace period for properties transitioning from owner-occupied to rental.
Is There Any Grace Period After 1st July 2025?
No. All previous grace periods and transition allowances end on 1st July 2025. From this date forward, landlords must be fully compliant on day one of any tenancy—new or ongoing.
What Happens If I Don’t Comply?
Non-compliance can result in serious consequences, including:
Fines of up to $7,200 per breached standard
14-day Notices to Remedy issued by tenants
Tenancy Tribunal proceedings, which could include orders for compensation and enforcement
It’s not worth the risk—compliance protects both landlords and tenants.
Final Thoughts
The Healthy Homes Standards aim to ensure safer, warmer, drier homes for everyone. Furthermore, investing in compliance will save you from costly penalties and help attract long-term, happy tenants.
If you have any further questions relating to The Healthy Homes Standards, please feel free to reach out to one of the team – we are here to help and guide you through!