Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)

The New Zealand Government is prioritising healthy, warm dry homes – to improve the health and well-being of all tenants and their families in New Zealand.

Nearly 600,000 households rent in New Zealand, and research shows that our rental housing is of poorer quality than owner-occupied homes.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, all New Zealand rental property owners/landlords must meet certain requirements to ensure their property is a healthy, warm and dry home for tenants.

5 Key Healthy Homes Standards

Insulation

Ventilation

Heating

Draught stopping

Moisture Control

Requirements for Landlords

There have been recent updates to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) legislation and some come into effect from July 2019.

You will find information about the key changes and the new requirements for Healthy Homes Standards on the Healthy Homes Standards page.

If you own a rental property, you need to get familiar with the changes and we can help you work through this process.

View Healthy Homes Standards Requirements

Website Resources

The following websites have more detailed information about the Residential Tenancies Act including PDF downloads, checklists and more:

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development website

Healthy Homes Standards – MBIE Tenancy Services website

Raise the Standard – site sponsored by MBIE Tenancy Services

Warmer Kiwi Homes – tool to find out if you’re eligible for a grant

Key dates for Landlords

1 July 2019 – Ceiling and underfloor insulation are compulsory in all rental homes under the Residential Tenancies Act legislation.

1 July 2021 – Private landlords must ensure that their rental properties comply with further Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new tenancy.

1 July 2023 – All Housing New Zealand and registered Community Housing Provider houses must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards.

1 July 2024 – All rental homes must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards.

Book a Healthy Rentals NZ Property Audit