From 1 July 2025, all rental properties across New Zealand must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. A key requirement under these regulations is an efficient, fixed heating source—typically a heat pump—capable of reliably heating the main living area. Failing to meet this standard could result in penalties and lost rental income, making early compliance essential.
In this guide, we explain what the Healthy Homes Standards require, why heat pumps are the best option for Auckland homes, and how Mint Auckland can help landlords meet compliance on time and within budget.
What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?
Introduced in 2019, the Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) aim to improve the quality of rental housing across New Zealand. These regulations cover five key areas:
- Heating
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Moisture ingress and drainage
- Draught stopping
For landlords, the most immediate concern is the heating standard. Every rental property must have a fixed heating device that can heat the main living room to at least 18°C. This heating source must be energy efficient, affordable to run, and suitable for the room’s size.
Why Heat Pumps Are the Best Heating Solution in Auckland
When it comes to complying with the heating standard, heat pumps are usually the best solution. Here’s why:
1. Energy efficiency
Heat pumps convert electricity into heat far more efficiently than traditional electric heaters. For every 1kW of electricity used, they can produce around 3–4kW of heat energy.
2. Year-round comfort
Unlike standalone heaters, heat pumps also provide cooling during the warmer months—an important consideration in Auckland’s humid summers.
3. Smart investment
Although the upfront cost is higher than plug-in heaters, heat pumps are cheaper to run, making them a cost-effective long-term solution for landlords and tenants alike.
4. Fast heating
Heat pumps can quickly warm a room, ensuring your property meets the 18°C minimum even during cold, damp winter mornings.
How to Tell if Your Property Needs a Heat Pump
You may be wondering if your current heating system is compliant. The HHS specifies that:
- The living room must have a heater with a heating capacity of at least 1.5 kW, and
- The heater must be capable of maintaining 18°C on the coldest days in your region.
For most Auckland properties, this means:
- Oil heaters and portable electric heaters are not acceptable.
- Unflued gas heaters are not compliant due to moisture and carbon monoxide risks.
- Fixed heat pumps are the preferred solution.
You can use the Heating Assessment Tool on Tenancy Services NZ to estimate the required heating capacity or book a professional assessment with Mint Auckland for expert guidance.
Avoid Penalties by Acting Early
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is actively enforcing the Healthy Homes Standards. Failing to meet the heating standard can result in:
- Fines of up to $7,200 per property
- Tenancy Tribunal orders
- Increased tenant turnover due to poor living conditions
Being proactive is not just about avoiding fines—it’s also about protecting your investment, keeping tenants happy, and improving property value.
How Mint Auckland Can Help
At Mint Auckland, we specialise in helping landlords across Auckland comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Here’s how we support you:
1. Tailored heating assessments
We calculate the heating requirements of your property based on its layout, insulation, and room size. No guesswork—just accurate, reliable advice.
2. Heat pump supply and installation
We offer a wide range of energy-efficient heat pumps from leading brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu, all installed by our qualified technicians.
3. HHS compliance reports
Once installed, we provide documentation that confirms your heat pump installation meets HHS requirements, giving you peace of mind and compliance proof for tenants or inspectors.
Book Your Free Home Assessment Today
The 1 July 2025 deadline is closer than you think. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Let Mint Auckland help you stay ahead of compliance with professional advice, quality products, and stress-free installation.