Changes to Healthy Homes Standards from July 1 – What You Need to Know as a Property Owner

With 1 July 2025 fast approaching, it’s important for all rental property owners to be clear on what’s expected when it comes to Healthy Homes compliance. There’s been a bit of confusion floating around, so let’s set the record straight.

No New Standards — Just Enforcement of the 2022 Updates

There are no new Healthy Homes Standards being introduced in 2025. What’s happening is the final enforcement date for the standards that were updated back in 2022. These standards have been phased in over several years, and 1 July 2025 marks the point when all private rental properties must be fully compliant.

This isn’t about future changes — it’s about making sure every rental is up to scratch now, based on the rules already in place.

What Needs to Be Compliant?

The Healthy Homes Standards cover five key areas:

• Heating – A fixed heating device capable of heating the main living room to at least 18°C. The 2022 update to the heating formula means some previously compliant heat pumps may no longer meet the requirements.

• Insulation – Minimum ceiling and underfloor insulation standards must be met. In many cases, existing insulation has had to be topped up or replaced.

• Ventilation – Working extractor fans are required in kitchens and bathrooms, and every habitable space must have opening windows or doors to the outside.

• Moisture ingress and drainage – Properties must have efficient drainage systems and ground moisture barriers if there’s a subfloor space.

• Draught stopping – Any unnecessary gaps or holes that cause draughts must be sealed.

No More Grace Periods or Delays

There’s no grace period, no extensions, and no exceptions come 1 July 2025. If your rental property doesn’t meet the required standards by that date, you cannot legally rent it out — even if tenants are already in place.

In addition to being unable to start or renew tenancies, non-compliance can result in significant penalties from Tenancy Services. These fines can be thousands of dollars, and in some cases, tenants may be awarded compensation as well.

What This Means for You

If you’re a landlord, the time to act is now. Even if you believe your property is compliant, it’s worth double-checking — particularly if the heating system was installed before the 2022 update, or if any part of the property hasn’t been assessed in the past couple of years.

Remember, compliance isn’t just about meeting the standards; it’s also about proving you meet them. That means having up-to-date documentation on file in case there’s ever a dispute or an inspection.

Already Working with a Property Manager?

If your property is already under management, check in with your property manager to confirm compliance status. If they haven’t raised it with you yet, it’s a good idea to ask. The best property managers will already be on top of this and will have flagged any outstanding work well in advance.

At Click Property Management, we’ve been working with Dunedin landlords since 2010 and have managed hundreds of Healthy Homes assessments across all kinds of properties. We know the local housing stock, we understand the challenges, and we’re experienced in getting things sorted in a way that’s efficient and cost-effective.