Rental properties must have one or more fixed heaters in the main living room, capable of maintaining at least 18°C. The heater’s capacity is calculated using Tenancy Services’ heating assessment tool, with adjustments for homes built to the 2008 Building Code or later.

How to Meet the Standard:

• Install energy-efficient heat pumps or fixed electric heaters with thermostats for precise temperature control.
• Use our automation solutions to program heating schedules, optimizing energy use while ensuring comfort.
• For newer homes, verify insulation and glazing standards to use smaller, cost-effective heaters.
• Contact Healthy Home Team for a professional assessment to calculate the required heating capacity and recommend compliant, energy-efficient solutions.

Our team can advise on finding the right heating systems that integrate with home automation for maximum efficiency and compliance.

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory where reasonably practicable, meeting minimum R-values (e.g., ceiling R2.9 for North Island, R3.3 for South Island; underfloor R1.3 nationwide) or the 2008 Building Code. Existing insulation (pre-2016) must be at least 120mm thick and in good condition.

How to Meet the Standard:

• Assess current insulation for R-value, thickness, and condition (no mould, gaps, or dampness).
• Top up or replace insulation to meet regional R-value requirements using high-quality materials like polyester or glass wool.
• Ensure professional installation per NZS 4246:2016 to avoid heat loss and maintain durability.
• Healthy Home Team offers free insulation assessments to check compliance and provides tailored retrofit solutions for energy efficiency.

We can advise you around insulation products and upgrades to reduce heat loss, lower energy bills, and ensure your property meets legal standards.

Habitable spaces (living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms) must have openable windows or doors (at least 5% of floor area). Kitchens and bathrooms require extractor fans or continuous mechanical ventilation systems (approved post-1 November 2019) that vent outside.

How to Meet the Standard:

• Install extractor fans in kitchens (minimum 50 L/s) and bathrooms (minimum 25 L/s) with 150mm ducting for post-2019 installations.
• Consider our advanced mechanical ventilation systems with automation to maintain air quality and reduce moisture.
• Ensure windows are functional and can be fixed open to promote natural airflow.
• Healthy Home Team provides ventilation assessments and installs smart systems to balance air quality and energy efficiency.

We can provide advise to help you prevent mould and dampness, and the best ventilation products for creating healthier homes.

Properties must have efficient drainage systems (gutters, downpipes, drains) to remove stormwater, surface water, and groundwater. Enclosed subfloor spaces require a ground moisture barrier if feasible.

How to Meet the Standard:

• Inspect and maintain guttering, downpipes, and drains to ensure proper water flow and prevent leaks.
• Install polyethylene ground moisture barriers in accessible subfloor spaces to block rising damp.
• Use our energy-efficient dehumidifiers with automation to control indoor humidity levels.
• Healthy Home Team offers drainage assessments and barrier installations to protect your property from moisture damage.

Our team can provide advise and recommendations on how to keep your home home dry while reducing mould risks and maintenance costs.

Properties must be free of unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors, and doors that cause noticeable draughts. Unused fireplaces must be sealed or have blocked chimneys.

How to Meet the Standard:

• Seal gaps (e.g., where a NZ $2 coin could fit) with weatherstripping, caulking, or draught excluders.
• Block unused fireplaces or chimneys to prevent air leaks.
• Enhance energy efficiency with our automated window and door sensors to monitor and reduce draughts.
• Healthy Home Team conducts draught assessments and provides sealing solutions to improve warmth and efficiency.