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The Healthy Homes Standards have changed what is expected of rental properties in New Zealand. While much of the attention has been on heating and insulation, there are plumbing-related requirements that every Auckland landlord should understand. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.
What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of minimum requirements for rental properties under the Residential Tenancies Act. They cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. Landlords were required to comply by July 2025 (for most tenancies).
The Moisture and Drainage Standard
This is the most directly plumbing-related of the five standards. It requires:
Efficient Drainage
The property must have efficient drainage for the removal of stormwater, groundwater, and surface water. Practically, this means:
- Gutters and downpipes must be clear and in good working order
- Downpipes must direct water away from the building
- Surface drainage must not allow water to pool against the building
- Sub-floor drainage must be adequate to prevent moisture build-up under the house
No Leaking or Failed Plumbing
The standard requires that the property is free from moisture ingress caused by plumbing issues. This includes:
- No leaking pipes, taps, or fixtures contributing to dampness
- No leaking or failed waste pipes under the house
- No blocked or overflowing drains causing moisture problems — if this is an issue, professional blocked drain clearing is needed
Ventilation in Wet Areas
Under the ventilation standard, bathrooms and kitchens must have adequate ventilation. For bathrooms, this typically means:
- An openable window or skylight, OR
- An extractor fan that vents to outside
A non-functioning extractor fan in a bathroom is a ventilation compliance issue. If the fan exists but does not actually vent to outside (some older fans just recirculate), it may not satisfy the standard.
Hot Water Requirements
While not part of the five Healthy Homes Standards directly, landlords have a general obligation under the Residential Tenancies Act to provide adequate hot water. The property must have a functioning hot water system that provides hot water to the required fixtures.
Key points for landlords:
- Cylinder failures must be repaired promptly — this is not an optional maintenance item
- A failing cylinder in an older property is a liability. If it is near the end of its life, budgeting for proactive replacement avoids emergency repair costs and unhappy tenants.
- Water temperature: hot water should be delivered at 55°C or less to taps to prevent scalding — a tempering valve ensures this
For properties with gas hot water, a continuous flow system like a Rinnai Infinity is a reliable, space-saving option that landlords are increasingly choosing.
Gas Compliance in Rental Properties
For rental properties with gas appliances, landlords must ensure:
- All gas appliances are safe and functioning
- Gas compliance certificates are in place for all gas work carried out on the property
- Gas appliances are serviced regularly — a licensed gasfitter should inspect them annually
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, providing an unsafe or non-compliant tenancy (including unsafe gas systems) can result in exemplary damages and significant financial penalties. WorkSafe NZ takes gas safety seriously and investigates incidents involving non-compliant gas installations.
Practical Plumbing Compliance Checklist for Landlords
- Gutters and downpipes clear and functioning — no overflow or blockage
- Sub-floor area dry and well-ventilated (no pooling water or excessive moisture)
- All pipes, taps, and waste connections in good working order — no leaks
- Bathroom extractor fan functioning and venting to outside
- Kitchen extractor fan or range hood functioning
- Hot water cylinder in good working order, appropriate size for the tenancy
- Tempering valve fitted and working correctly
- Gas appliances serviced, compliance certificates on file
- All taps and flush mechanisms functioning correctly
If older pipes are showing signs of corrosion, consider repiping before a burst pipe causes major damage to the property and disruption for tenants.
Keeping Records
Maintain records of all plumbing maintenance and repairs, including dates, work done, and costs. If a compliance issue arises, documented maintenance history demonstrates you have been managing the property responsibly. Gas compliance certificates must be kept on file.
Need a Healthy Homes Plumbing Assessment?
Water and Gas Worx helps Auckland landlords and property managers get their rental properties compliant. We are registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. We carry out plumbing assessments, provide written reports, and carry out all necessary repairs and maintenance.
Call 0800 322 322 or email [email protected] to discuss your rental portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing issues can make a rental non-compliant with Healthy Homes?
Leaking pipes or taps causing dampness, blocked drains causing moisture, a non-working bathroom extractor fan, and sub-floor drainage that allows water to pool under the house. Any of these can put you in breach of the moisture and drainage or ventilation standards.
Do I need gas compliance certificates for my rental property?
Yes. All gas work on a rental property must have a gas compliance certificate issued by the licensed gasfitter who did the work. You should keep these on file. If gas work was done and no certificate was issued, contact a gasfitter to inspect and certify the installation.
How much does a plumbing compliance assessment cost?
Our rate is $155 plus GST for the first hour, then $100 plus GST per hour after that. After-hours is $295 plus GST for the first hour, then $100 plus GST per hour after that. Public holidays are $395 plus GST for the first hour, then $100 plus GST per hour after that. We can quote before starting so you know the cost upfront. Most assessments take 1 to 2 hours depending on the size of the property.
How quickly can you respond if my tenant reports a plumbing emergency?
For emergencies like burst pipes, gas leaks, or no hot water, we aim for same-day — often within a few hours during business hours.