NZ Healthy Homes Compliance Calculator
Estimate compliance costs for all 5 Healthy Homes Standards across your rental property. Covers heating kW requirements by zone, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress, and draught stopping. Includes penalty analysis and landlord ROI. NZD.
Estimated Compliance Cost
NZ$4,350 – NZ$13,500
Across all 5 Healthy Homes Standards — heating zone requires 3.5kW minimum for Rest of North Island
| Standard | Min Cost | Max Cost | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating | NZ$2,000 | NZ$5,000 | Fixed heater 3.5kW min in main living area |
| Insulation | NZ$1,500 | NZ$4,000 | Ceiling R-2.9 min, underfloor R-1.3 min |
| Ventilation | NZ$400 | NZ$1,500 | Extractor fans bathroom + kitchen |
| Moisture Ingress | NZ$300 | NZ$2,000 | Ground moisture barrier in subfloor |
| Draught Stopping | NZ$150 | NZ$1,000 | Gaps less than 3mm sealed |
| Total | NZ$4,350 | NZ$13,500 | All 5 standards combined |
Deadline: All rentals must comply with all 5 Healthy Homes Standards from 1 July 2025. New or renewed tenancies must comply within 90 days of tenancy start. Failure to comply is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act with penalties up to $7,200 per breach.
Advanced
Advanced Analysis
All 5 standards explained, costs by standard, tenancy timing rules
The Healthy Homes Standards have 5 separate requirements. A property must meet all 5 to be considered compliant.
1. Heating
Fixed heater in main living area. Must achieve 3.5kW for your zone. Heat pumps, wood burners (limited), and electric heaters qualify. Portable heaters do not.
Cost: NZ$2,000 – NZ$5,000
2. Insulation
Ceiling R-2.9 minimum, underfloor R-1.3 minimum (where accessible). Wall insulation only required if being replaced. Insulation must be in good condition.
Cost: NZ$1,500 – NZ$4,000
3. Ventilation
Extractor fans venting to outside in bathroom and kitchen. All habitable rooms must have openable windows of at least 5% of floor area.
Cost: NZ$400 – NZ$1,500
4. Moisture Ingress
All enclosed subfloors must have a ground moisture barrier (polythene sheeting). Drainage must direct surface water away. Existing drainage must be maintained.
Cost: NZ$300 – NZ$2,000
5. Draught Stopping
Unused chimneys must be blocked. Gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, and floors must be sealed if they cause unreasonable draughts. Windows and doors must close properly.
Cost: NZ$150 – NZ$1,000
Pro
Professional Simulator
Non-compliance penalties, exemption process, landlord ROI analysis
Non-compliance with Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act. Penalties are per breach, per tenancy.
Max Fine Per Breach
NZ$7,200
Per standard, per tenancy
Max Fine (All 5 Standards)
NZ$36,000
If all 5 standards not met
Tribunal Compensation
Unlimited
Tribunal can award tenant compensation
Work Order
Possible
Tribunal can order mandatory compliance work
Enforcement process: A tenant can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal at any time. The Tribunal can award up to $7,200 per breach to the tenant as an exemplary damages payment. The landlord is also typically issued a work order requiring compliance by a set date — with further penalties for non-compliance. Tenants can also complain to the Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team (TCIT) which proactively investigates non-compliance.
Your compliance investment: At an estimated cost of NZ$8,925, compliance costs significantly less than the potential maximum fine of NZ$36,000 if all 5 standards are breached. The financial case for compliance is clear.
How to Use This Healthy Homes Calculator
Select your property type, number of bedrooms, heating zone (which determines the minimum heater kW), and your current compliance status. The calculator provides estimated costs across all 5 Healthy Homes Standards.
What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards are minimum requirements for rental properties in New Zealand under the Residential Tenancies Act. They came into force progressively from 2019 and must be met by all private rentals by 1 July 2025. There are 5 separate standards — all must be met for full compliance.
The 5 Healthy Homes Standards
1. HEATING: Fixed heater in main living area
Zone 1 (Auckland/Northland): 2.4 kW minimum
Zone 2 (Rest of N. Island + Nelson): 3.5 kW minimum
Zone 3 (South Island): 4.8 kW minimum
2. INSULATION: Ceiling R-2.9, underfloor R-1.3 (where accessible)
3. VENTILATION: Extractor fans in bathroom + kitchen (venting outside)
Openable windows: 5% of floor area in each habitable room
4. MOISTURE INGRESS: Ground moisture barrier in all enclosed subfloors
Drainage to direct surface water away from the house
5. DRAUGHT STOPPING: Seal gaps and holes causing unreasonable draughts
Block unused chimneys. Windows and doors must close properly.
Zone 1 (Auckland/Northland): 2.4 kW minimum
Zone 2 (Rest of N. Island + Nelson): 3.5 kW minimum
Zone 3 (South Island): 4.8 kW minimum
2. INSULATION: Ceiling R-2.9, underfloor R-1.3 (where accessible)
3. VENTILATION: Extractor fans in bathroom + kitchen (venting outside)
Openable windows: 5% of floor area in each habitable room
4. MOISTURE INGRESS: Ground moisture barrier in all enclosed subfloors
Drainage to direct surface water away from the house
5. DRAUGHT STOPPING: Seal gaps and holes causing unreasonable draughts
Block unused chimneys. Windows and doors must close properly.
A property must meet ALL 5 standards to be fully compliant. Partial compliance is not sufficient — each standard is assessed independently and each breach is treated as a separate offence under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Example: Wellington 3-Bedroom House
David — 3-Bedroom 1960s Weatherboard, Wellington (Zone 2)
| Property Type | Detached house, 1960s build |
| Heating Required | 3.5 kW minimum (Zone 2) |
| Heating Cost (heat pump) | $2,500 installed |
| Insulation (ceiling + underfloor) | $3,200 |
| Ventilation (2 extractor fans) | $800 |
| Moisture Barrier (subfloor) | $1,200 |
| Draught Stopping | $400 |
| Total Compliance Cost | $8,100 |
| Penalty if Non-Compliant | Up to $36,000 (all 5 standards) |
| Rent Increase (est.) | $15-25/week post compliance |
David chooses to prioritise compliance before his current tenant leaves. The $8,100 investment avoids potential penalties and positions the property to attract quality long-term tenants at a higher rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
All private rentals must meet all 5 Healthy Homes Standards by 1 July 2025. For new or renewed tenancies, compliance must be achieved within 90 days of the tenancy start date. Landlords must also provide a written compliance statement at the start of every new tenancy — failure to provide this statement is itself a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Non-compliance is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act. A tenant can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal, which can award up to $7,200 in exemplary damages per breach — or up to $36,000 if all 5 standards are not met. The Tribunal can also issue a work order requiring compliance by a set date with further penalties for continued non-compliance. The Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team (TCIT) also proactively investigates non-compliance.
Exemptions are very limited. Heritage buildings may apply if compliance would damage heritage character. Properties being demolished or significantly redeveloped within 12 months may apply. The cost of compliance is NOT a valid exemption reason. Most landlords cannot avoid the requirements. Applications for exemptions are made in writing to Tenancy Services New Zealand.
Wall insulation is only required under the Healthy Homes Standards if the wall insulation is being replaced or new walls are being built as part of a renovation. Existing walls without insulation do not need to be retrofitted under the current standards. Only ceiling and underfloor insulation have mandatory R-value requirements for existing rentals.
You do not need a heat pump specifically, but the heater must be fixed (not portable), meet the minimum kW capacity for your zone, and be capable of heating the main living area to 18°C when outside temperature is 0°C. Heat pumps are the most popular choice. Fixed electric panel heaters can also qualify. Wood burners must meet clean air requirements. Unflued gas heaters are not permitted.