Introduction
If you own a rental property in Auckland, Healthy Homes compliance is no longer optional. It is the law — and the consequences of getting it wrong are expensive.
Here is everything you need to know as an Auckland landlord in 2026.
What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements across five areas for all rental properties in New Zealand. These standards are enforced by Tenancy Services, a division of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
1. Heating
Your rental must have a fixed heater capable of heating the main living room to at least 18°C. Most heat pumps qualify. Old plug-in heaters do not.
2. Insulation
Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet minimum thickness requirements. Properties built after 2008 generally comply. Older properties often need upgrades.
3. Ventilation
Extractor fans are required in kitchens and bathrooms. Openable windows must be present in all habitable rooms.
4. Moisture and Drainage
There must be no unreasonable dampness in the property. Gutters, downpipes, and drainage must be functioning properly. A ground moisture barrier is required in properties with enclosed subfloors.
5. Draught Stopping
All unreasonable gaps and holes that cause draughts must be stopped. This includes gaps around windows, doors, and chimneys.
What Are the Fines for Non-Compliance?
Non-compliance with Healthy Homes Standards can result in fines of up to $7,200 per breach according to Tenancy Services. With five standards to meet, the potential financial exposure is significant.
Beyond fines, tenants can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for compensation. The Tribunal has been awarding increasingly significant amounts to tenants in recent cases.
How Do You Know If Your Property Complies?
The only way to know for certain is to have a proper Healthy Homes assessment carried out by a qualified assessor. This involves:
- Measuring the heating capacity of existing heaters against the required output for the room size
- Checking insulation depth and condition
- Verifying extractor fan installation and performance
- Inspecting drainage and checking for moisture issues
- Identifying and documenting any draught sources
Many landlords who believe their property complies discover gaps during a proper assessment.
What Should Auckland Landlords Do Right Now?
Step 1 — Check Your Compliance Statement
Download the Healthy Homes compliance statement template from Tenancy Services and work through each standard for your property. This gives you a clear picture of where you stand.
Step 2 — Get a Professional Assessment
If you are unsure about any standard, engage a qualified Healthy Homes assessor to conduct a formal inspection. Assessment costs vary depending on the size and age of your property — budget between $150 and $400 for a professional inspection.
Step 3 — Fix Any Issues Promptly
If issues are identified, address them promptly. Upgrading insulation or installing a heat pump is far less expensive than a Tenancy Tribunal order.
How Keyvi Handles Healthy Homes for Landlords
Every property under Keyvi management is Healthy Homes compliant. Here is how we approach it.
Assessment
When we take on a new property, we assess its current compliance status against all five standards. If a formal Healthy Homes assessment is required — which we strongly recommend for any property built before 2008 — we connect landlords with qualified, independent Healthy Homes assessors in Auckland.
Cost
This assessment is carried out by certified professionals and is at the landlord’s cost, typically between $150 and $400 depending on the property. We do not conduct assessments ourselves — we facilitate the connection with trusted, qualified assessors.
Ongoing Compliance
Once the assessment is complete, we coordinate any required remediation work with trusted tradespeople, track compliance documentation, and ensure your property stays compliant as standards evolve.
Auckland landlords who work with Keyvi never have to manage Healthy Homes compliance alone. We guide you through the process from start to finish.
Get In Touch
If you would like to discuss your property’s compliance status, contact us today. There is no obligation.
Keyvi Property Management Email: renting@keyvi.co.nz Phone: +64 22 358 2455 Website: keyvi.co.nz
Where every home matters.
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