⚠️ HEALTHY HOMES NON‑COMPLIANCE: WHY LANDLORDS CAN’T IGNORE THE STANDARDS

Story Hook:

Imagine signing a new tenancy, ticking the “Healthy Homes compliant” box, and sending the welcome pack—only to get a tribunal notice a few months in. The tenant complains about mould, poor ventilation, and dangerous wiring—none of which you’ve addressed. The result? A costly tribunal judgment.

Unfortunately, this scenario is becoming more common. As of 1 July 2025, all rental properties must meet Healthy Homes Standards—or risk severe consequences.

WHAT THE LAW DEMANDS

Under the Healthy Homes Standards and RTA s 45:

• Properties must meet minimum standards in heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress/drainage, and draught-stopping  .

• Forced ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, effective insulation, and fixed heating in the living area are now essential.

• Since 1 July 2025, all rentals (new and existing) must fully comply.

Landlords who don’t meet standards can face:

• Up to $7,200 in penalties per breach

• Tribunal orders to complete compliance, plus tenant compensation

• Major disruption and reputational harm

RECENT TRIBUNAL CASES PROVE THE RISK

CASE #1: $9,023 AWARD FOR FALSE CLAIMS OF COMPLIANCE

An Auckland landlord claimed compliance, but the property failed standards in ventilation, drainage, and electrical safety. The Tribunal found:

• $6,000 in exemplary damages

• Additional compensation for health risk and inconvenience

• Total payout: $9,023

CASE #2: CONTINUING MOULD & ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

In another case, tenants reported mould and a dangerous fuse box. The landlord ignored 14-day notices, and the Tribunal ordered them to either bring the property up to standard or pay damages. Cases like this can result in tribunal and compliance team actions.

WHAT LANDLORDS SHOULD DO NOW

ASSESS YOUR PROPERTIES

• Use MHOB’s tool to check heating, insulation, and ventilation levels

• Inspect for moisture, drainage issues, extractor fans, and moisture barriers

ACT ON FINDINGS

• Install compliant heating in main living rooms

• Insulate ceilings and subfloors as required

• Ensure bathrooms/kitchens have extractor fans and all windows open

• Fix guttering, downpipes, and subfloor moisture barriers

• Seal draughts

DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE

• Keep receipts, test reports, and certifications

• Include signed compliance statements in tenancy agreements

RESPOND PROMPTLY TO NOTICES

• Don’t ignore 14-day tenant requests

• Update work promptly and keep tenants informed

STAY AHEAD OF ENFORCEMENT

• Tenancy Services Is Actively Assessing Properties; Over 500 Cases With Breaches In 2024

• Non-compliant Landlords Risk Warnings, Fines, Or Tribunal Exposure

HOW GOOD NEIGHBOURS ENSURES COMPLIANCE

• We audit every property for Healthy Homes standards well before tenancy starts

• Maintenance plans include heating, ventilation, insulation, drainage, and sealing checks

• We document every fix with invoices and photos

• Our tenancy agreements contain signed compliance statements per legal requirements

SMART LANDLORD TIPS

• Start with a full Healthy Homes inspection

• Fix issues early—it’s cheaper and less disruptive

• Use compliance statements to protect your position

• Keep detailed records for every tenancy

• Review regularly—standards evolve, and so should your property upkeep

FINAL WORD

Healthy Homes compliance isn’t a box-ticking exercise—it’s now a legal necessity with real penalties. Recent tribunal rulings show that false claims or slow responses can cost landlords thousands and damage reputations.

At Good Neighbours, we don’t just meet standards—we exceed them. We keep your rental compliant, tenants safe, and your investment protected.