If you rent out a property in Auckland, a healthy homes assessment is the fastest way to find out whether your rental meets the law and what, if anything, needs fixing. Since 1 July 2025, every private rental in New Zealand has had to meet the Healthy Homes Standards, so compliance is now the baseline for being a landlord rather than a deadline to work towards.

This guide covers what a healthy homes assessment in Auckland checks, what it costs, what happens on the day and how to get your property ready so it passes with as few surprises as possible.

What is a healthy homes assessment?

A healthy homes assessment (also called a healthy homes inspection or healthy homes report) is a professional check of a rental property against the Healthy Homes Standards. The assessor looks at each standard, records what they find and gives you a written report showing where the property complies and where it doesn’t.

The standards don’t require you to use a professional assessor. What the law requires is that your rental complies and that you keep records showing it does. In practice, a written report is the simplest way to build that paper trail, support the compliance statement in your tenancy agreement and answer questions from tenants or property managers.

Why Auckland landlords shouldn’t put it off

• It’s the law. All private rentals have had to comply since 1 July 2025, and landlords are responsible for making sure their property meets the standards and keeps meeting them.
• Tenancy agreements need a compliance statement. Most new or renewed tenancy agreements must include a statement of the property’s current level of compliance. Tenancy Services has a compliance statement guide.
• Tenants can ask for proof. If a tenant requests information about compliance, you must provide it within 21 days.
• There are financial consequences. Landlords who don’t meet their obligations are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and can be ordered to pay exemplary damages of up to $7,200.
• Auckland homes are damp. Auckland has a milder climate than most of the country, but it is damp and often cold in winter, which is exactly what the standards are designed to address.

The five Healthy Homes Standards in plain English

Some properties are exempt from some or all of the standards in specific situations. Check the exemptions before assuming one applies to you.

What happens during a healthy homes assessment in Auckland?

1. Book your assessment. Choose a time that suits you. At Ace Energy we can typically schedule within 2 to 5 business days, depending on availability and your location.
2. The assessor visits the property. They check each standard in turn: the heating in the main living room, accessible ceiling and underfloor insulation, openable windows and extractor fans, subfloor moisture and drainage, and gaps that cause draughts.
3. You receive a written report. It shows the compliance status for the property and flags any areas that may need attention. You can see a sample on our healthy homes assessment page.
4. You fix anything that’s missing. If something doesn’t comply, you can arrange the work yourself or ask us for a quote.
5. You keep your records. Store the report, receipts, photos and installer invoices together. They are your evidence of compliance if a tenant, property manager or the regulator asks.

If the property is tenanted, arrange access with your tenant and follow the notice rules on the Tenancy Services website.

How much does a healthy homes assessment cost in Auckland?

Prices vary by provider and property. At the time of writing (October 2026), Auckland providers advertise healthy homes assessments from roughly $180 to $300 plus GST.

Whatever you choose, a low price is only good value if the report is clear and usable. Read a sample report before you book so you know exactly what you’ll receive.

What if your rental doesn’t pass?

A fail on one or more standards is usually fixable. The most common fixes are:

• No ground moisture barrier under an enclosed subfloor. Install a ground moisture barrier.
• Thin, damaged or missing insulation. Top up or replace ceiling and underfloor insulation.
• No fixed heater, or one that’s too small for the living room. Install a suitably sized heat pump.
• Missing extractor fans, or windows that don’t stay open. Add or upgrade ventilation.
• Gaps around doors, windows and floors. Block them to stop draughts.

Because we install insulation, heat pumps and ground moisture barriers as well as assess properties, you can get an online quote for the work that your report identifies without hunting for another contractor.

Pre-assessment checklist

A little preparation makes the visit quicker and the report more accurate:

• Make sure the ceiling hatch and subfloor access are clear and reachable.
• Know which room is the main living room and what heater serves it.
• Check that extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom(s) work.
• Confirm that windows and doors in liveable spaces open and can be fixed open.
• Look for blocked or leaking gutters and downpipes.
• Walk around for visible gaps around doors, windows and floors.
• Gather previous records, such as insulation installation invoices, heater receipts and earlier reports.
• Let your tenant know the date and time.

Healthy homes assessment Auckland: frequently asked questions