Healthy Homes Standards and New Builds: What NZ Landlords Should Know
A newly built rental home still needs a property-specific healthy homes assessment. Recent construction, a heat pump or double glazing does not by itself document compliance with every rental standard.
If you are comparing new builds on BuyNew.co.nzfor a rental, use this guide to ask for the evidence you will need. Tenancy Services says all rental properties must meet the standards as of 1 July 2025, subject to the applicable exemptions.
The five healthy homes standards
Tenancy Services sets out the current requirements on its healthy homes compliance page. Check the detailed guidance for each standard rather than relying on an advertisement or a general description of a new build.
| Standard | What to verify for the rental |
|---|---|
| Heating | Fixed heating of an acceptable type with enough capacity for the main living room. |
| Insulation | The required ceiling and underfloor insulation, or the basis for any applicable exemption. |
| Ventilation | Openable windows or doors in habitable spaces and extractor fans for kitchens and bathrooms. |
| Moisture and drainage | Drainage, gutters and downpipes, plus a ground moisture barrier where required. |
| Draught stopping | No unreasonable gaps or holes causing noticeable draughts. |
What is different about a new build?
Building Code documentation and the rental healthy homes standards answer different questions. Ask the builder or seller for the home's heating specifications, insulation details, ventilation information and relevant completion documents. Then assess the actual property against the current rental standards before offering a tenancy.
For heating, Tenancy Services provides a heating assessment tool guide explaining the minimum capacity calculation. If a townhouse or apartment has shared building elements, check who controls and maintains them. Any exemption must be verified against the official exemption guidance; a new-build label alone is not an exemption.
Keep evidence and complete the tenancy statement
Landlords must keep records showing how the rental complies and provide a signed statement about its current level of compliance with most new, renewed or varied tenancy agreements. Tenancy Services supplies a tenancy agreement guide and a landlord checklist. Keep the relevant measurements, specifications, invoices and assessment records for the specific property.
Before renting out a new home
- Confirm the exact home, completion stage and documents available from the provider.
- Assess each of the five standards against the finished property and current official guidance.
- Record the heating calculation, insulation details, ventilation, drainage and draught checks.
- Confirm responsibility for shared building systems and ongoing maintenance where relevant.
- Complete the required tenancy agreement statements and retain the supporting evidence.
- Budget for any work needed before offering the home to tenants.
FAQ
Does a new build automatically meet healthy homes standards?
No. Assess and document the specific rental against each applicable standard. A new build is not automatically exempt.
Is a heat pump enough evidence?
Not on its own. Check its type, location and capacity for the main living room, along with the other four standards.
Do the standards stop mattering after the tenancy starts?
No. Tenancy Services says landlords must keep the property up to standard, including maintaining heaters and ventilation systems.
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