Healthy Homes Assessment Auckland: The Complete Landlord Compliance Guide
Call 020 4013 7848Keeping up with rental property law can feel like a moving target for Auckland landlords. With the Healthy Homes Standards covering warmth, dryness and ventilation, skipping a routine check is no longer an option, and not knowing where your property stands can leave you open to Tenancy Tribunal action.
This guide explains what a healthy homes assessment in Auckland involves, what inspectors look for under each of the five standards, and how to pass smoothly.
Quick answer: A healthy homes assessment is an on-site inspection by a qualified assessor, who checks your rental against the five Healthy Homes Standards: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. You get a written compliance report. At Ace Energy it costs $150 including GST.
What is a healthy homes assessment?
A healthy homes inspection is an on-site evaluation carried out by a qualified technician. The assessor works through your property against the five Healthy Homes Standards introduced under the Residential Tenancies Act.
When the assessment is finished you receive a written compliance report. If the property passes, the report is your record of compliance to keep with your tenancy documents, which you will need for new or renewed tenancy agreements. If it fails, the report lists the exact work needed to bring the house up to standard.
The 5 standards checked in Auckland homes
Auckland’s coastal climate makes dampness, mould and draughty structures very common. Your assessment focuses on these five areas.
1Heating
The main living room needs a fixed heater that can heat the space to at least 18°C on the coldest days of the year. The capacity you need is worked out with the Tenancy Services heating tool, which takes into account room size, windows and insulation. Acceptable heaters include heat pumps, wood burners and pellet burners. Plug-in heaters and unflued gas heaters don’t count. If your living room falls short, see our heat pump and heating options.
2Ceiling and underfloor insulation
Auckland is in Zone 1, so new insulation must meet a minimum of R2.9 in the ceiling and R1.3 under the floor. Older ceiling insulation installed before 1 July 2016 is likely to be fine if it is thicker than 120mm and in reasonable condition. In every case, insulation must be free from dampness, gaps, rips and other damage. See our insulation services.
3Kitchen and bathroom ventilation
Moisture control prevents mould and rot. Kitchens need an extractor fan or rangehood that vents outside, and bathrooms need an externally vented extractor fan. For fans installed after 1 July 2019, the minimum is 50 litres per second for kitchens and 25 litres per second for bathrooms (or the minimum diameters set out in the standard). Liveable rooms also need openable windows. We can help with ventilation upgrades.
4Moisture ingress and drainage
Gutters, downpipes and drains must carry rainwater and ground water away from the house. If the subfloor is enclosed, a ground moisture barrier, typically polythene sheeting laid over the soil, must be installed and in good condition to stop damp rising. See our ground moisture barrier installation.
5Draught stopping
Inspectors look for unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors that let in cold air. Any unused open fireplace must be blocked off, unless the tenant has asked in writing for it to stay open.
Want to check your own property first? Use our Auckland healthy homes assessment page to book, or read the official Tenancy Services checklist.
What happens if your property fails?
Failing is common, especially for older bungalows and villas in suburbs like Ponsonby, Onehunga and Henderson. Don’t panic. The report itemises exactly what failed, for example inadequate kitchen extraction or gaps in underfloor insulation.
- Review the itemised list in your report.
- Get quotes for the remedial work. We install insulation, heat pumps and ground moisture barriers, and can quote for it.
- Complete the work, then keep the report and invoices with your tenancy records.
Save time with a smoke alarm combo check
Smoke alarms are covered by separate tenancy rules, with their own placement and certification requirements. To limit disruption for your tenants and save on call-out fees, book a Healthy Homes and Smoke Alarm combo and clear both obligations in a single visit of about 45 minutes. Details are on our smoke alarm assessment page.
Cost and booking
- Independent assessment of all five standards
- Clear, jargon-free written compliance report
- Service across West, South, East and Central Auckland
- Combo with smoke alarm check available
Healthy homes assessment: frequently asked questions
What is a healthy homes assessment?
It is an on-site inspection by a qualified assessor who checks a rental against the five Healthy Homes Standards and provides a written compliance report.
How much does a healthy homes assessment cost in Auckland?
At Ace Energy it is $150 including GST.
What heating does the living room need?
A fixed heater that can warm the main living room to at least 18°C on the coldest days. Use the Tenancy Services heating tool to work out the capacity required.
What insulation is required in Auckland?
Auckland is in Zone 1: new insulation needs R2.9 in the ceiling and R1.3 under the floor. It must be dry and in good condition.
What happens if my rental fails?
The report lists what needs fixing. Once the work is done, you keep the report and invoices as part of your records.
Can I combine it with a smoke alarm check?
Yes. Booking the combo clears both obligations in one visit.
Book your Auckland compliance assessment
Don’t wait for a tenancy dispute to find out whether your property complies. Book for $150 including GST, or call us on 020 4013 7848.