The Healthy Homes Standards officially come into full effect across New Zealand on the 1st July. For both landlords and tenants, this marks an important milestone in raising the quality of rental housing — and it’s something we fully support here at Watson Integrity.

Why It Matters for Both Landlords and Tenants
The standards cover five key areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. These are the fundamentals that help make a home warm, dry, and safe to live in — and they’re now legal requirements for all rental properties. For those who haven’t yet taken action, the consequences are real: fines of up to $7,200 per breach and the risk of invalidating your insurance policy are now very much in play.

For landlords, this might feel like another layer of compliance — but it’s also a smart business move. A property that meets Healthy Homes Standards is not only protecting tenants’ health and wellbeing but also protecting your investment. Homes that are warm, energy-efficient, and well-maintained tend to attract better tenants, rent faster, and experience less turnover. They’re also less likely to suffer long-term damage from damp or mould, which means fewer repair costs down the track.

On the tenant side, Healthy Homes sets a new standard for what people can expect — and deserve — from their rental. We’ve seen firsthand the positive difference it makes. A properly heated and insulated home improves comfort, reduces power bills, and has a real impact on health outcomes, particularly for families with young children or elderly residents.

How Watson Integrity Can Help You Stay Compliant and Covered
At Watson Integrity, we’ve been working with our owners for some time to get ahead of the deadline. That means coordinating assessments, arranging upgrades, and keeping clear records — all while making the process as stress-free as possible. Our goal isn’t just compliance, it’s care. We want landlords to feel confident and supported, and tenants to feel safe and respected.

If you’re not sure whether your property is fully compliant, you need to make sure you have a Healthy Homes Assessment completed and approved before you rent to tenants. If you sign up your property with Watson integrity, our team can organise a Healthy Homes Assessment, manage any required changes, keep your documentation on file, and ensure you stay on the right side of the law.

Ultimately, Healthy Homes isn’t about jumping through hoops — it’s about raising the standard for everyone. And we’re proud to be part of that shift.
 
Need help with Healthy Homes compliance? Get in touch — we’re here to help.
 
Audrey Grinter, Property Management Advisor – Watson Integrity