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.
Know Your Rights and Obligations at Renewal Time
Electronic signatures have made signing documents easier, faster, and more efficient. They replace the need for pen-and-paper signatures and allow people to complete transactions digitally. Since the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 came into effect on 1 September 2017, electronic signatures have become widely used for legal documents and transactions. What Are Electronic Signatures? An electronic signature is any digital way of signing a document. This could be typing your name, clicking “I agree,” or using special software to create a secure digital signature. Electronic signatures are recognised as legal and binding as long as they meet three key requirements: They clearly show the person intended to sign the document; They are reliable and appropriate for the document's purpose: and Both parties agree to use electronic signatures. Using Electronic Signatures in Property Transactions Electronic signatures are increasingly being used in property transactions. Lawyers and conveyancers use them to complete important steps like signing sale and purchase agreements or submitting documents to register the transfer of property titles. In October 2024, the Authority and Identity Requirements for E-dealing Guidelines 2024 were updated, allowing Authority and Instruction (A&I) forms to be more readily signed and witnessed electronically. Electronic signatures on A&I forms must meet strict reliability standards under the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017. This includes ensuring the signature is linked to the signer, under their sole control, and that any alterations to the signature or document are detectable. Practitioners must also retain digital signing logs as evidence for compliance. Benefits of Electronic Signatures Fast and Convenient : You can sign documents anytime, anywhere - no need for printing or mailing papers. Cost-Effective : They save time and money by reducing the need for physical paperwork. Secure : Advanced software ensures the signatures cannot be easily altered or faked. Environmentally Friendly : They reduce the use of paper, making them a more sustainable option. Challenges and Considerations While electronic signatures are very useful, there are some things to think about: Trust and Reliability : It's important that the signature method is secure and reliable, especially for high-value transactions. Technology Needs : Both parties need access to the right tools to sign electronically. Exclusions : Some documents, like wills and powers of attorney, cannot be signed electronically under New Zealand law. Making the Most of Electronic Signatures To use electronic signatures effectively: Choose reliable software or platforms that comply with the Authority and Identity Requirements for E-Dealing Standard 2024. Make sure all parties agree to use them beforehand. Verify the identity of signers when needed, especially for important documents. Retain evidence, such as digital signing logs, to meet legal obligations. Electronic signatures are a legal and practical way to sign documents. They are particularly helpful for property transactions and have made processes smoother for everyone involved. With the clear guidance provided in the Authority and Identity Requirements for E-Dealing Guidelines 2024, electronic signatures are now even more accessible and secure for legal professionals. By understanding their benefits and being aware of their limitations, businesses and individuals can confidently use electronic signatures in their day-to-day dealings. Please contact us if you need to know more about electronic signatures – we’re always here to help!