New Zealand’s Healthy Homes standards have been rolling out since 1 July 2019, culminating in a final compliance deadline of 1 July 2025 for all private residential rentals. These standards cover essential areas like heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, drainage, and draught stopping, ensuring homes are safe, warm, and healthy. 

Key compliance time frames

• Tenancies that began or were renewed between 1 July 2021 – 27 August 2022: 
• Must meet standards within 90 days of tenancy start or renewal. 
• Tenancies that began or were renewed between 28 August 2022 – 2 March 2025: 
• Now have up to 120 days to comply — extended due to legislative updates. 
• Tenancies started on or after 3 March 2025: 
• Must comply with the 1 July 2025 deadline. 
• All existing periodic tenancies, regardless of start date: 
• Are also required to meet standards by 1 July 2025 



New compliance statements are mandatory 

From 1 December 2020, it's illegal to ignore the requirement for a signed compliance statement in new or renewed tenancy agreements. This must detail the property’s current level of compliance. Failing to include this in the tenancy agreement can attract penalties of up to $500 per tenancy. 

Penalties & tenant rights 

Landlords who do not comply risk: 

• Fines up to $7,200 per breach under the Residential Tenancies Act. 
• Tenants can issue a 14-day notice to remedy issues. If ignored, they may apply to the Tenancy Tribunal. 
• We see that high volumes of disputes are emerging, especially in student accommodation. 

Why does this matter? 

• For tenants: You're entitled to a rental that’s warm and dry from 1 July 2025 onward — and you’ve got legal mechanisms to enforce this. 
• For landlords: Compliance isn’t optional — it’s law. Even a single standards omission can result in Tribunal orders, rent rebates, and reputational damage. 

What you should do now 

Landlords: 

• Book a Healthy Homes Assessment to identify what’s needed. A Healthy Homes Assessment is a property check carried out by a qualified assessor to see whether your rental meets New Zealand’s legal standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, and more. Assessments aren’t mandatory, but they’re a smart way to avoid guesswork and ensure you’re on track. Providers vary by region and service, so it’s worth doing a bit of research to find one that suits your needs. 
• Ensure all relevant tenancy agreements include the compliance statement, and maintain evidence (eg invoices, inspection certificates). 
• Plan and complete works before 1 July 2025, the final deadline. 

Tenants: 

• Review your tenancy agreement or ask for the compliance statement if you haven’t seen it. 
• If your property doesn’t meet the standards, talk to your landlord. If unresolved within 14 days, consider a formal notice to remedy and prepare to go to the Tenancy Tribunal. 

While many landlords may have allowed compliance to drift, the law is clear: from 1 July 2025, all rental properties must meet Healthy Homes standards, without exceptions. 

By getting informed and proactive now, everyone — landlords, tenants, property managers — can avoid penalties, legal disputes, and, most importantly, poor living conditions.