Since the New Zealand Government introduced the Healthy Homes Standards, all rental properties must meet clear health and safety requirements to ensure tenants live in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated home.

Many landlords think that once their property passes the initial inspection, it’s all done — but that’s not the case.
A property’s condition changes over time due to weather, usage, and age. Only with regular maintenance can you make sure your rental stays compliant.

Why “Compliant Once” Doesn’t Mean “Compliant Forever”

The Healthy Homes Standards cover five main areas, and each can deteriorate over time:

1. Heating
 Heating systems can lose efficiency as they age or if not properly maintained. If the heater no longer provides enough warmth to meet the minimum temperature requirement in the living room, it no longer complies.

2. Insulation
 Roof or underfloor insulation can become damp, damaged by pests, or removed during renovations. If the insulation no longer meets the required thickness or type, landlords must replace or repair it.

3. Ventilation
 Sometimes tenants replace curtains, add fans, or block vents. If the extractor fans in the kitchen or bathroom stop working properly, airflow is reduced and mould can form.

4. Moisture and Drainage
 Over time, rain or ground movement can cause leaks or water pooling. If the ground moisture barrier is damaged or the drainage system gets blocked, the property becomes non-compliant.

5. Draught Stopping
 Doors, windows, or wall gaps can change over time. Even if the property passed inspection before, shrinking wood frames or worn seals can cause new draughts to appear.

Ongoing Legal Responsibility

Healthy Homes compliance isn’t a one-off inspection — it’s an ongoing legal obligation.
Even if your property met the standards at first, you must ensure it remains compliant throughout the tenancy.

How to Keep Your Property Compliant

✔ Regular maintenance and inspections
 Arrange a Healthy Homes re-assessment every 12–24 months, especially when a tenancy changes.

✔ Keep proper documentation
 Save all invoices, photos, certificates, and inspection reports. These records can protect you in case of compliance disputes.

✔ Fix issues promptly
 Act quickly if you notice heating, ventilation, or drainage problems — small issues can become expensive if ignored.

✔ Work with a professional property manager
 Uno Property Management offers regular inspections, maintenance reminders, and compliance support. We help ensure your property stays legally compliant and comfortable for tenants.

Benefits of Staying Compliant

✅ Avoid fines and legal risks
✅ Improve property value and tenant satisfaction
✅ Reduce long-term maintenance costs
✅ Build trust and long-term tenant relationships

Healthy Homes Standards are not just short-term rules — they represent a landlord’s long-term commitment to their tenants and their property.
Keeping your rental warm, dry, and compliant for years to come is a key responsibility of every good landlord.

Uno Property Management can help with inspections, repairs, and documentation — so you can be a confident, stress-free landlord.