Healthy Homes Standard Checklist NZ: What Landlords Need to Check
The healthy homes standard checklist is a practical tool that every New Zealand landlord needs to understand before completing their healthy homes compliance statement. Since 1 July 2024, all private rental properties in New Zealand must comply with all five Healthy Homes Standards, and having a clear, structured checklist is the most reliable way to ensure your property meets every requirement before your tenant’s next inspection or tenancy renewal.
This comprehensive healthy homes standard checklist covers each of the five standards in plain English, with specific checkpoints for landlords in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, and throughout New Zealand.
How to Use This Healthy Homes Standard Checklist
Work through each standard in order. For each item, note whether it currently complies, does not comply, or whether you are unsure. If you are unsure about any item, book a professional healthy homes assessment, it is better to invest in an assessment than to risk a Tenancy Tribunal penalty for non-compliance.
Checklist 1: Heating Standard
The heating standard requires that the main living room can be heated to a minimum of 18°C year-round using a qualifying fixed heater.
- ☐ Measure the main living room floor area (length × width in metres)
- ☐ Use the MBIE heating assessment tool to calculate required heater capacity (kW)
- ☐ Identify all fixed heaters in the main living room (heat pumps, wood burners, gas heaters, electric panel heaters)
- ☐ Confirm that at least one fixed heater meets the required capacity
- ☐ Confirm that the heater is in working order and safe to use
- ☐ Confirm that unflued gas heaters have been removed (these do not qualify)
- ☐ Confirm that portable electric heaters are not being used to meet the standard (these do not qualify)
Checklist 2: Insulation Standard
The insulation standard requires adequate ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets minimum R-values for your climate zone.
- ☐ Check that ceiling insulation is present in all areas with a habitable room below
- ☐ Check that ceiling insulation is in reasonable condition (not wet, degraded, or missing sections)
- ☐ Check that ceiling insulation meets the minimum R-value for your climate zone (R2.9 in Zone 1, R3.3 in Zone 2, R3.6 in Zone 3)
- ☐ Check that underfloor insulation is present (if property has a suspended timber floor)
- ☐ Check that underfloor insulation is in reasonable condition and installed correctly (foil facing up for foil batts)
- ☐ Check that underfloor insulation meets the minimum R-value (R1.3 in all zones)
- ☐ If no underfloor access exists, document this as an exemption
Checklist 3: Ventilation Standard
The ventilation standard requires working extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and adequate openable windows throughout the property.
- ☐ Confirm kitchen has an extractor fan that vents to the outside (rangehood or wall fan)
- ☐ Confirm all bathrooms and en-suites have extractor fans venting to the outside
- ☐ Confirm all extractor fans are in working order
- ☐ Check that all habitable rooms have windows, skylights, or doors to the outside that can be opened
- ☐ Confirm that openable area in each habitable room is at least 5% of the floor area
Checklist 4: Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard
This standard requires that the property has adequate drainage and, where applicable, a ground moisture barrier in the subfloor.
- ☐ Check that gutters are intact and free from blockages
- ☐ Check that downpipes are connected and directing water away from the building
- ☐ Check that the subfloor area drains adequately and does not pool water
- ☐ If the property has an enclosed subfloor, check that a ground moisture barrier (polythene sheet) covers at least 75% of the ground
- ☐ If a ground moisture barrier is present, confirm it is in good condition (not torn or displaced)
- ☐ Check that the subfloor is adequately ventilated
Checklist 5: Draught Stopping Standard
The draught stopping standard requires that unreasonable gaps and holes that cause draughts are addressed.
- ☐ Check around all external door frames for gaps (seal with draught excluders or weather stripping)
- ☐ Check around all window frames for gaps
- ☐ Check for gaps in skirting boards, floor coverings, and between floorboards
- ☐ Check for any open unused fireplaces (must be sealed or fitted with a draught stopper)
- ☐ Check ceiling hatch areas for gaps
- ☐ Check pipes and cables passing through walls, floors, or ceilings for unsealed gaps
After Completing the Checklist
Once you have worked through all five standards, you have three possible outcomes for each item:
- Complies, record this in your compliance statement
- Does not comply, arrange remedial work as soon as possible and document your plan
- Unsure, book a professional healthy homes assessment before completing your compliance statement
SK Homes NZ Limited provides professional healthy homes assessments across Auckland, Hamilton, and Palmerston North. Our qualified assessors work through every item on this checklist in detail, provide a written report documenting current compliance, and advise on exactly what needs to be done to achieve full compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Healthy Homes Standard Checklist NZ
Is there an official healthy homes checklist I can download?
Tenancy Services New Zealand provides official guidance and templates at tenancy.govt.nz. SK Homes also provides a comprehensive checklist as part of our professional assessment service.
Can I use this checklist to complete my compliance statement myself?
Yes. Landlords can complete their own compliance statement. However, if you are unsure about any item, a professional assessment is strongly recommended to avoid penalties for a false or misleading statement.
What is the minimum R-value for ceiling insulation in Auckland?
Auckland is in Climate Zone 2, which requires a minimum ceiling insulation R-value of R3.3. Existing insulation installed before 1 July 2016 only needs to meet R2.9 if it is in reasonable condition.
Do I need to install insulation in every room?
Ceiling insulation is required in all areas above habitable rooms. Underfloor insulation is required where the floor is suspended above the ground and access is reasonably practicable.
What qualifies as a fixed heater under the heating standard?
Qualifying fixed heaters include heat pumps, wood burners with a current fire permit, flued gas heaters, and electric panel or wall heaters. Portable heaters and unflued gas heaters do not qualify.
How do I know which climate zone my property is in?
The MBIE website has a climate zone map for New Zealand. Auckland and most of the North Island are in Zone 2. Southland, Otago, and parts of Canterbury are in Zone 3.
What counts as an extractor fan for the ventilation standard?
An extractor fan must mechanically extract air and vent it directly to the outside. Recirculating range hoods that filter and return air to the kitchen do not meet the standard.
Does the draught stopping standard apply to older villas and bungalows?
Yes. The draught stopping standard applies to all rental properties, regardless of age. Older homes often have more gaps and draughts and may require more work to meet this standard.
What is the penalty for a rental that doesn’t meet the healthy homes standards?
Landlords whose properties do not meet the Healthy Homes Standards can face financial penalties of up to $7,200 per breach through the Tenancy Tribunal, plus orders to carry out remedial work.
How often should I check my property against this checklist?
At every tenancy renewal, you must provide an updated compliance statement. It is good practice to check your property against the checklist at least annually to ensure continued compliance.