Healthy Homes compliance: a guide for Blockhouse Bay landlords

Owning a rental property in New Zealand comes with a legal duty of care. A key part of this is ensuring your property meets the Healthy Homes Standards—a set of minimum requirements for heating, insulation, and ventilation. With a final compliance deadline of 1 July 2025 for all rental properties, the time to act is now.

This guide provides a clear, practical overview of what the standards mean for you as a landlord in Blockhouse Bay, helping you protect your investment, ensure your tenants’ wellbeing, and avoid significant financial penalties.

Why this is a priority for Blockhouse Bay properties

Much of the housing stock in Blockhouse Bay was built in the 1960s. While these homes are known for their solid construction and character, they were built in an era with different standards for insulation and ventilation. This means many local properties require specific upgrades to meet the current legal requirements.

Leaving compliance to the last minute is a significant risk. As the 2025 deadline approaches, the demand for qualified tradespeople is increasing, which can lead to long delays and higher costs. More importantly, non-compliance can result in financial penalties of up to $7,200 per breach. Acting now is the smartest way to protect your asset and your finances.

A simple breakdown of the five standards

The standards set minimum requirements for five key areas. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

• Heating: The main living room must have a fixed heater (like a heat pump or central heating) that can heat the room to at least 18°C. Portable heaters do not meet this standard.
• Insulation: Ceiling and underfloor insulation is compulsory where it can be practically installed. It must meet the 2008 Building Code standards or be at least 120mm thick and in good condition. For many older Blockhouse Bay homes, this may mean topping up existing insulation or replacing it entirely.
• Ventilation: Every habitable room must have openable windows or doors. Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans that vent to the outside to remove moisture and prevent mould.
• Moisture and drainage: Your property must have efficient drainage and guttering to prevent water from entering or building up. If there is an enclosed subfloor space, a ground moisture barrier (a heavy-duty polythene sheet) is required to stop dampness from rising into the home.
• Draught stopping: Any unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, and floors that cause noticeable draughts must be blocked. This includes sealing old, unused fireplaces.

Beyond the upgrades: your legal paperwork is just as important

Compliance isn’t just about the physical state of the property; it’s also about your legal documentation. This is an area where many landlords can be caught out.

• The Compliance Statement: Every new or renewed tenancy agreement must include a detailed, signed statement of the property’s current level of compliance with each of the five Healthy Homes Standards. This is not optional; failing to include a complete and accurate statement is an unlawful act.
• Record Keeping: You must keep detailed records that prove your compliance. This includes receipts for work done, professional assessments, photos, and product manuals for things like heat pumps and extractor fans. You are legally required to provide these records to your tenant or the Tenancy Tribunal upon request.

How we make compliance simple and stress-free

Navigating the Healthy Homes Standards can be complex and time-consuming. Our experienced property management team is here to manage the entire process for you, providing complete peace of mind.

We will:

• Arrange a certified Healthy Homes assessment to create a clear report on exactly what your property needs to comply.
• Coordinate quotes and manage all necessary work with our network of trusted and cost-effective local tradespeople.
• Ensure all your legal paperwork, including the compliance statement in your tenancy agreement, is correct and up-to-date.
• Maintain a complete digital record of all compliance documents, which you can access at any time through your owner portal.

Is your investment property ready for the deadline?

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’re unsure about your property’s compliance or want expert help to manage the process, our team is here to provide clear, practical advice.

Call us today on (09) 626 6119 for a friendly, no-obligation consultation.