HEATING & VENTILATION FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES

The healthy homes standards became law on 1 July 2019.

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All private rentals must comply within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy after 1 July 2021, with all private rentals complying by 1 July 2024.

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The healthy homes standards introduce specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties.

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Landlords are responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of their rental properties. These standards will help ensure landlords have healthier, safer properties and lower maintenance costs for their investments.

The standards will also make it easier for tenants to keep their homes warm and dry.

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HEATING

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There must be a fixed heater(s) that can directly heat the main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius. The main living room is the largest room that is used for general, everyday living – for example, a lounge, family room or dining room.

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Your heater must be fixed (not portable), and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity.

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In most cases, a heat pump is the most efficient and cost-effective heating option for New Zealand homes and rental properties. 

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VENTILATION 

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Mould and dampness caused by poor ventilation is harmful for tenants’ health as well as landlords’ property. The ventilation standard targets mould and dampness in rental homes.

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All kitchens and bathrooms must have an extractor fan vented to the outside.

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• Kitchens – In any room with a cooktop, new fans or range hoods installed after 1 July 2019 must have a minimum diameter (including ducting) of 150mm or an exhaust capacity of at least 50 litres per second.

• Bathrooms – In any room with a shower or bath, new fans installed after 1 July 2019 must have a minimum diameter (including ducting) of 120mm or an exhaust capacity of at least 25 litres per second.