Source: http://legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2019/0088/latest/whole.html
Timestamp: 2020-08-11 10:40:59
Document Index: 250823466

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 4', 'art 2', 'art 4', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'arts 2', 'art 7', 'arts 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'art 1', 'art 3']

Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 (LI 2019/88) (as at 30 June 2020) – New Zealand Legislation
(LI 2019/88)
4 Meaning of not reasonably practicable to install
Subpart 1—Healthy homes standards
Subpart 2—Heating standard
8 Main living room must have qualifying heaters
9 Qualifying heaters
10 Required heating capacity
11 Exemption for certified passive buildings
12 Exemption from heating standard if not reasonably practicable to install
Subpart 3—Insulation standards
13 Ceiling insulation
15 Underfloor insulation for suspended floors
17 Determining R-value of insulation
18 Determining whether insulation is in reasonable condition
19 Exemption from insulation standards if not reasonably practicable to install
20 Partial exemption for certain thermal underfloor insulation
Subpart 4—Ventilation standards
21 Openable windows or external doors
22 Exemption for rooms lawfully built without qualifying windows or doors
23 Extractor fans for kitchens and bathrooms
24 Exemption from extractor fan standards if not reasonably practicable to install
Subpart 5—Draught stopping standards
25 Open fireplaces to be blocked
26 Gaps and holes that allow draughts
Subpart 6—Moisture ingress and drainage standards
27 Tenancy building to have efficient drainage system
28 Suspended floors to have ground moisture barrier
29 Exemption from ground moisture barrier standard if not reasonably practicable to install
Subpart 7—General exemptions
30 Exemption for 12 months if tenant is former owner
31 Exemption if premises due to be demolished or substantially rebuilt
32 Modified standard if landlord not owner of whole of tenancy building
Subpart 1—Information for landlords’ statements
33 Information to be included in tenancy agreement
34 Information about heating standard
35 Information about insulation standards
36 Information about ventilation standards
37 Information about draught stopping standards
38 Information about moisture ingress and drainage standards
39 Information if relying on general exemptions
Subpart 2—Documents to be retained by landlords
40 Documents to be retained by landlord
Amendments to Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016
41 Amendments to Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016
42 New subpart 1AA of Part 2 inserted
Subpart 1AA—Application of Part 2
10A Part 2 ceases to apply when healthy homes standards apply
43 Regulation 21 amended (Tenant is former owner of premises)
44 New subpart 4 of Part 2 inserted
Subpart 4—Amendments relating to Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019
31 Regulation 1 amended (Title)
32 Regulation 3 amended (Interpretation)
33 Part 2 revoked
Heating capacity of qualifying heaters in main living room
These regulations are the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019.
clauses 2 and 3(2) of Schedule 1 for dates for compliance with the healthy homes standards under sections 45(1)﻿(bb) and 66I(1)﻿(bb) of the Act; and
clauses 11 and 13 of Schedule 1 for application dates for Part 3.
Act means the Residential Tenancies Act 1986
bathroom means a domestic living space in which a bath or shower is installed
building element means a wall, floor, ceiling, window, skylight, roof, door, or other built component of any premises
domestic living space means an interior space of a building that is a space for activities normally associated with domestic living
extractor fan means an extractor fan that vents extracted air to the outdoors
habitable space means a domestic living space excluding any bathroom, laundry, toilet, pantry, walk-in wardrobe, corridor, hallway, lobby, clothes-drying room, or other space of a specialised nature occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods
installed, in relation to insulation, has the meaning set out in subclause (2)
installed or provided thing means any thing that is installed or provided at, or in connection with, residential premises or a tenancy building the installation or provision of which enables the premises or building to comply with the standards set out in subparts 2 to 6 of Part 2
kitchen means a domestic living space in which an indoor cooktop is installed
living room means a room that consists of, or includes, a habitable space that is for use, or could reasonably be expected to be used, for general everyday living, whether as a lounge room, dining room, sitting room, family room, or other similar use
main living room, in relation to residential premises, has the meaning set out in regulation 8(2) or (3)
not reasonably practicable to install has the meaning set out in regulation 4
professional installer, in relation to a thing, means a professional tradesperson experienced at installing things of that kind
qualifying ceiling insulation has the meaning set out in regulation 14
qualifying heater has the meaning set out in regulation 9(1)
qualifying underfloor insulation has the meaning set out in regulation 16
qualifying window or door has the meaning set out in regulation 21(3)
R-value, in relation to insulation, means its thermal resistance (in °Cm2/W), being the air temperature difference (in °C) needed to produce unit heat flux (in W/m2) through unit area (in m2) of the material under steady conditions
required heating capacity has the meaning set out in regulation 10(1)
room means an area within residential premises that—
consists of, or includes, 1 or more habitable spaces; and
is or can be fully enclosed by the floor, the ceiling, floor-to-ceiling walls, and closeable windows and doors
section 13A statement has the meaning set out in regulation 33
tenancy building, in relation to residential premises, means,—
if the premises are part only of a building, that building; or
otherwise, the premises.
A reference to insulation being installed is a reference to—
the original installation of the insulation; or
if the insulation has been reinstalled on 1 or more occasions, the reinstallation on that occasion or the last of those occasions.
It is not reasonably practicable to install something at any premises or tenancy building if, because of the way the premises or tenancy building is designed or built,—
a professional installer cannot access the relevant area of the premises or tenancy building to install the thing without—
carrying out substantial building work; or
causing substantial damage to the premises or tenancy building; or
a professional installer cannot install the thing without creating greater risks to the health or safety of any person than are normally acceptable when something of that kind is being installed by a professional installer; or
it is otherwise not reasonably practicable for a professional installer to install the thing.
Part 2 Healthy homes standards
This regulation prescribes the healthy homes standards for the purposes of sections 45(1)﻿(bb) and 66I(1)﻿(bb) of the Act.
The healthy homes standards are that the landlord of residential premises must—
ensure that the premises meet the standards set out in subparts 2 to 5; and
ensure that,—
if the premises are part only of a building, the premises are in a building that meets the standards set out in subpart 6; or
otherwise, the premises meet the standards set out in subpart 6; and
ensure that all installed or provided things are appropriate for the purpose for which they are installed or provided; and
ensure that all installed or provided things—
are maintained in good working order; or
if they cannot be maintained in good working order, are replaced within a reasonable time; and
ensure that work covered by NZS 4246:2016 that is carried out during the term of the tenancy is carried out in accordance with NZS 4246:2016.
In this regulation, work covered by NZS 4246:2016 means work that is carried out at the premises or tenancy building in relation to—
insulation covering any ceiling or suspended floor in a domestic living space in the premises; or
a ground moisture barrier of the kind referred to in regulation 28(2)﻿(a)﻿(i).
The healthy homes standards in regulation 6 are subject to the exemptions from specific standards set out in subparts 2 to 6 and the general exemptions set out in subpart 7.
If an exemption that applies at the commencement of a tenancy ceases to apply during the term of the tenancy, the landlord must comply with the relevant healthy homes standard,—
in the case of the exemption under regulation 31, if it ceases to apply under regulation 31(2)﻿(c), within 90 days after the exemption ceases to apply (but subject to regulation 31(3)); or
in any other case, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the exemption ceases to apply.
The main living room of the premises must be heated by 1 or more qualifying heaters with a total heating capacity of at least the required heating capacity for the main living room.
If the premises are not in a boarding house, the main living room of the premises is,—
if the premises have 1 living room, that living room; or
if the premises have 2 or more living rooms, the largest of them.
If the premises are in a boarding house, the main living room of the premises is,—
if the facilities (as defined in section 66B of the Act) include 1 living room, that living room; or
if the facilities include 2 or more living rooms, the largest of them.
A heater is a qualifying heater if—
it is installed as a fixture to the premises; and
the heater (or if it is a fixed heat pump, the indoor unit) is in the living room; or
the heater supplies heat directly into the living room (for example, through a duct or vent located in the living room); and
it has a heating capacity of at least 1.5 kW; and
if it is an electric heater or a fixed heat pump, it has a thermostat; and
it is not an unacceptable heater.
Each of the following is an unacceptable heater:
an open fire:
an unflued combustion heater:
if the required heating capacity for the living room is greater than 2.4 kW, an electric heater.
electric heater means an electric heater that is not a fixed heat pump
fixed heat pump means a heat pump that is permanently wired into the premises’ electrical system.
The required heating capacity for a living room is the required heating capacity determined in accordance with Schedule 2.
If a heating capacity calculator is made available,—
the calculator is presumed to determine required heating capacity in accordance with Schedule 2, unless the contrary is shown; and
any person using the calculator in good faith is entitled to rely on the result produced by the calculator as the correct result based on the data provided by the person.
A heating capacity calculator may provide assumed construction R-values for living room building elements (including different values for building elements made of different materials) that a person using the calculator may (but is not required) to use.
construction R-value has the same meaning as in Schedule 2
heating capacity calculator means a tool for determining the required heating capacity of a living room in accordance with Schedule 2 that is made publicly available by, or on behalf of, the chief executive on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the department (as defined in section 2(1) of the Act) or any other department.
The main living room need not comply with regulation 8 if the tenancy building is a certified passive building.
A building is a certified passive building if—
the building has been certified as a passive house under the Passive House Standard of the Passivhaus Institut, Germany:
the International Living Future Institute has issued one of the following in respect of the building:
a Living Building Certification:
a Petal Certification that includes a heating related requirement:
a Zero Energy Certification; and
that certification has not lapsed, expired, been cancelled, or otherwise ceased to be in force.
The main living room need not comply with regulation 8 if, at the commencement of the tenancy,—
the living room does not comply with that regulation; and
it is not reasonably practicable to install qualifying heaters so as to comply with that regulation.
This exemption ceases to apply if, during the term of the tenancy, it becomes reasonably practicable to install qualifying heaters so as to comply with regulation 8.
The ceiling of each domestic living space in the premises must be fully covered by qualifying ceiling insulation.
However, the ceiling is not required to be fully covered so far as—
another domestic living space (whether or not part of the premises) is immediately above the ceiling; or
clearances are reasonably required around any other item that is installed in or above the ceiling.
Ceiling insulation is qualifying ceiling insulation if all of the following apply:
the insulation’s R-value, when it was installed, was,—
if the premises are in zone 1 or zone 2, at least 2.9; or
if the premises are in zone 3, at least 3.3:
the insulation was installed in accordance with NZS 4246:2016:
the insulation is in a reasonable condition (or better).
If the ceiling insulation for an area of ceiling consists of 2 or more products installed on top of each other, the insulation’s R-value for the purposes of subclause (1)﻿(a) is to be determined by—
determining the R-value of each product when it was installed; and
adding those R-values together.
If insulation was installed on different areas of the ceiling at different times, subclause (1) applies separately to the insulation in each different area.
If a domestic living space in the premises has a suspended floor, that floor must be fully covered by qualifying underfloor insulation.
However, the floor is not required to be fully covered so far as—
another domestic living space (whether or not part of the premises) is immediately below the floor; or
clearances are reasonably required around any other item that is installed in or under the floor.
Underfloor insulation is qualifying underfloor insulation if all of the following apply:
the insulation’s R-value, when it was installed, was at least 1.3:
If the underfloor insulation for an area of floor consists of 2 or more products installed on top of each other, the insulation’s R-value for the purposes of subclause (1)﻿(a) is to be determined by—
If insulation was installed under different areas of the floor at different times, subclause (1) applies separately to the insulation in each different area.
This regulation applies if, when insulation is installed,—
the insulation is a new product; and
the manufacturer’s instructions for the product specify its R-value.
The R-value of the insulation when it is installed is the R-value of the product specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
In this regulation, manufacturer’s instructions, in relation to an insulation product, includes any specification, instruction, recommendation, or other information relating to the product that is provided, or otherwise made available, in any way to buyers, installers, or users of the product by or on behalf of the product’s manufacturer.
In determining whether insulation is in reasonable condition (or better), the following matters must be taken into account:
the extent to which the performance of the insulation is compromised by any aspect of its condition:
the extent of any dampness, damage, degradation, or displacement:
the condition of any materials or other items that are ancillary to the insulation’s installation (for example, strapping or staples).
Without limiting subclause (1), ceiling insulation is not in reasonable condition if the minimum thickness of the insulation material is less than 120 mm.
However, subclause (2) does not apply if the landlord proves that—
the insulation’s R-value, when it was installed, was the value specified in regulation 14(1)﻿(a)﻿(i) or (ii) (as applicable); and
the current thickness of the insulation material is 70% or more of its thickness when it was installed (even if its current thickness is less than 120 mm).
This regulation is not an exhaustive statement of the matters that may be taken into account.
A ceiling need not comply with regulation 13 if, at the commencement of the tenancy,—
the ceiling does not comply with that regulation; and
it is not reasonably practicable to install insulation so as to comply with that regulation.
A floor need not comply with regulation 15 if, at the commencement of the tenancy,—
the floor does not comply with that regulation; and
The exemption ceases to apply if, during the term of the tenancy, it becomes reasonably practicable to install insulation so as to comply with regulation 13 or 15.
there is underfloor insulation covering a floor at the premises; and
when the insulation was installed, requirements relating to thermal insulation imposed by or under an enactment or a bylaw were applicable to the premises or tenancy building; and
the landlord is in possession of a compliance document (document A) that includes a certification or other statement to the effect that the premises or tenancy building, with the insulation installed, complied with those requirements.
In determining whether the insulation is qualifying underfloor insulation, regulation 16(1)﻿(a) and (b) does not apply.
This exemption ceases to apply if, during the term of the tenancy, either of the following occurs:
the landlord receives a request for evidence and fails to provide reasonable evidence of document A to the person making the request within 10 working days after the day on which the landlord receives the request:
the landlord receives a Tribunal request or requirement for evidence and fails to comply with it within the time allowed by the Tribunal.
compliance document means a certificate or other document issued under an enactment or a bylaw by a governmental authority or any other person (for example, a code compliance certificate issued under section 95 of the Building Act 2004 or section 43 of the Building Act 1991)
request for evidence means a reasonable request for evidence of document A given to the landlord by the tenant or the chief executive acting for the purposes of the chief executive’s functions or powers under the Act
Tribunal request or requirement for evidence means a request or requirement from the Tribunal in the course of any proceedings relating to the tenancy for the landlord to provide reasonable evidence of document A.
Each habitable space in the premises must have 1 or more qualifying windows or doors.
The total openable area of the qualifying windows or doors in the habitable space must be at least 5% of the floor area of the habitable space.
A window, skylight, or door is a qualifying window or door if it—
opens to the outdoors; and
is designed and built in a way that allows it to remain fixed in the open position during normal occupation of the premises.
The openable area of a qualifying window or door is its net openable area on the internal face of the building element in which it is located.
A habitable space need not comply with regulation 21 if,—
when the habitable space was built or converted into a habitable space, not having qualifying windows or doors that would comply with regulation 21 was lawful; and
if not having qualifying windows or doors was lawful only because the room met alternative ventilation requirements, at the commencement of the tenancy the room still meets those requirements.
Each kitchen and bathroom in the premises must have an extractor fan installed in it.
For a kitchen,—
the fan and all exhaust ducting must have a diameter of at least 150 mm; or
the fan and all exhaust ducting must have an exhaust capacity of at least 50 ℓ/s.
For a bathroom,—
the fan and all exhaust ducting must have a diameter of at least 120 mm; or
the fan and all exhaust ducting must have an exhaust capacity of at least 25 ℓ/s.
A kitchen or bathroom need not comply with regulation 23 if all of the following apply:
at the commencement of the tenancy,—
the room does not have an extractor fan:
it is not reasonably practicable to install an extractor fan so as to comply with the regulation 23:
when the room was built or converted into a kitchen or bathroom, not having an extractor fan was lawful:
if not having an extractor fan was lawful only because the room met alternative ventilation requirements, at the commencement of the tenancy the room still meets those requirements.
This exemption ceases to apply if, during the term of the tenancy, it becomes reasonably practicable to install an extractor fan so as to comply with regulation 23.
If the premises have an open fireplace, it must be closed off, or its chimney must be blocked, in a way that prevents draughts into and out of the premises through the fireplace.
the tenant requests in writing that the fireplace be available for use; and
the landlord agrees to the request.
If subclause (1) is disapplied under subclause (2), the fireplace and its chimney must be—
free from gaps or holes that allow draughts into or out of the premises and that are not necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the fireplace; and
The premises must be free from gaps between, and holes in, building elements that—
are not intentional parts of the construction of the premises (such as drainage and ventilation openings); and
allow draughts into or out of the premises; and
In determining whether a gap or hole is unreasonable for the purposes of subclause (1)﻿(c), the following matters may be taken into account:
the size and location of the gap or hole:
the extent of the draught that is allowed through the gap or hole:
if there is more than 1 gap or hole at the premises, the extent of the total draught that is allowed through those gaps and holes:
the likely impact that a draught through the gap or hole will have on heat loss from the premises:
any other relevant matters, subject to subclause (3).
In determining whether a gap or hole is unreasonable for the purposes of subclause (1)﻿(c), the age and condition of the premises or tenancy building must not be taken into account.
The tenancy building must have a drainage system that efficiently drains storm water, surface water, and ground water to an appropriate outfall.
The drainage system must include appropriate gutters, downpipes, and drains for the removal of water from the roof.
the tenancy building has a suspended floor; and
the subfloor space is enclosed.
The tenancy building’s subfloor space must—
have a ground moisture barrier that—
is made of a material that meets the specifications for an on-ground vapour barrier set out in section 8 of NZS 4246:2016; and
was installed in accordance with section 8 of NZS 4246:2016; or
have an alternative ground moisture barrier that—
has a vapour flow resistance of at least 50 MN s/g; and
was installed by an appropriate professional installer.
A subfloor space is enclosed if the airflow into and out of the space is significantly obstructed along at least 50% of the perimeter of the subfloor space by 1 or more of the following:
a masonry foundation wall:
cement boards, timber skirting, or other cladding:
other parts of the building or any adjoining structure:
any other permanent or semi-permanent structure that significantly obstructs airflow:
rock, soil, or other similar material.
A tenancy building need not comply with regulation 28 if, at the commencement of the tenancy,—
the building does not comply with that regulation; and
it is not reasonably practicable to install a ground moisture barrier so as to comply with that regulation.
This exemption ceases to apply if, during the term of the tenancy, it becomes reasonably practicable to install a ground moisture barrier so as to comply with regulation 28.
The landlord need not comply with regulation 6 if—
the tenant (or any of the tenants) owned (or was an owner of) the premises immediately before the landlord acquired the premises; and
the tenancy commenced immediately after the landlord acquired the premises; and
less than 12 months has expired since commencement of the tenancy.
The landlord need not comply with regulation 6 if,—
before the commencement of the tenancy, the landlord applied for consent to demolish or substantially rebuild the premises, with that work to begin within the grace period; and
as at the commencement of the tenancy,—
the application is still pending; or
if consent was granted before the tenancy commenced, the consent remains in force.
This exemption ceases to apply if, during the term of the tenancy, any of the following occurs:
the consent lapses or is terminated:
the grace period expires:
if subclause (1)﻿(b)﻿(i) applied, the application for consent is refused:
the landlord receives a request for evidence and fails to provide reasonable evidence of the application and its current status to the person making the request within 10 working days after the day on which the landlord receives the request:
However, despite subclause (2)﻿(c), if the landlord challenges the decision to refuse the application, the exemption is reinstated and continues until the challenge (and any subsequent appeal) is determined.
challenge, in relation to a decision to refuse an application for consent, means,—
if it is an application for a resource consent, an appeal against the decision; or
if it is an application for a building consent, an application for a determination under section 177 of the Building Act 2004 in relation to the decision
consent means—
a building consent as defined in section 7 of the Building Act 2004; or
a resource consent as defined in section 2(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991
grace period means the period of 12 months beginning on the date of commencement of the tenancy
request for evidence means a reasonable request for evidence of the application for consent given to the landlord by the tenant or the chief executive acting for the purposes of the chief executive’s functions or powers under the Act
Tribunal request or requirement for evidence means a request or requirement from the Tribunal in the course of any proceedings relating to the tenancy for the landlord to provide reasonable evidence of the application for consent.
This regulation modifies the landlord’s obligation under regulation 6 in certain situations where the landlord does not own the whole of the tenancy building and this impedes their ability to comply with the healthy homes standards.
the premises are part only of the tenancy building; and
the landlord is not the sole owner of the whole of the tenancy building; and
complying with regulation 6 (in the absence of this regulation) would require—
something to be installed or provided in part of the building of which the landlord is not the sole owner; or
the landlord (or a person acting on the landlord’s behalf) to access part of the building of which the landlord is not the sole owner; and
the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) impede the landlord’s ability to comply with regulation 6.
Regulation 6(2) applies as if—
“take all reasonable steps to” were inserted before “ensure” in each place; and
the following paragraph were inserted after paragraph (b):
if, despite paragraphs (a) and (b) being complied with, the premises or tenancy building does not meet a standard set out in any of subparts 2 to 6, take all reasonable steps to ensure that it meets that standard to the greatest extent reasonably practicable; and”.
Mr L is the landlord of premises that are part of a unit title development. The required heating capacity for the main living room of the premises is 3 kW. The only reasonably practicable qualifying heater Mr L could install would be a fixed heat pump. However, the body corporate’s rules prohibit the installation of external heating units on common property without the consent of the body corporate.
Regulation 6(2)﻿(a), as modified by this regulation, would require Mr L to take all reasonable steps to get consent from the body corporate to install the heat pump.
If Mr L were not able to get consent, paragraph (ba) would require him to comply with the heating standard to the greatest extent reasonably practicable, for example, by installing a different kind of qualifying heater that does not require an external unit, even if its heating capacity is less than the required 3 kW.
Part 3 Information and records
The statement that is required to be included in a tenancy agreement under section 13A(1CA) of the Act, or in a renewal of a tenancy under section 13A(1CB), (a section 13A statement) must include the information set out in regulations 34 to 39.
In relation to regulation 8, the section 13A statement must include—
the required heating capacity of the main living room of the premises; and
for each qualifying heater that heats the main living room,—
the type of heater; and
its heating capacity (in kW).
However, if the main living room does not comply with regulation 8 and the landlord relies on the exemption in regulation 11 or 12, the section 13A statement—
need not include the information required by subclause (1); but
a statement to the effect that the main living room is exempt from the requirement to have qualifying heaters and stating which exemption is relied on; and
a brief description of the circumstances giving rise to the exemption.
In relation to regulations 13 and 15, the section 13A statement must include,—
for each ceiling of a domestic living space in the premises that is insulated,—
the dates when the insulation was installed and when it was last inspected (if known); and
the insulation’s R-value when it was installed; or
the thickness of the insulation material when it was last inspected; and
for each suspended floor of a domestic living space in the premises that is insulated,—
the insulation’s R-value when it was installed; and
for each ceiling and suspended floor in the premises that is not insulated, the reason why not (for example, because it is not in a domestic living space or because regulation 13(2)﻿(a) or 15(2)﻿(a) applies).
However, if a ceiling or floor does not comply with regulation 13 or 15 and the landlord relies on the exemption in regulation 19, the section 13A statement—
need not include the information required by subclause (1) for that ceiling or floor; but
a statement to the effect that the ceiling or floor is exempt from the requirement to have insulation; and
If a floor does not comply with regulation 15 and the landlord relies on the exemption in regulation 20, the section 13A statement—
need not include the information required by subclause (1)﻿(b)﻿(iii) for that floor; but
a statement to the effect that the floor’s insulation is exempt from the minimum R-value requirement and compliance with NZS 4246:2016; and
However, the section 13A statement need not include information otherwise required by this regulation if the information is included in the statement that is included in the tenancy agreement under section 13A(1A) of the Act.
In relation to regulations 21 and 23, the section 13A statement must include—
a statement that each habitable space in the premises has 1 or more qualifying windows or doors as required by regulation 21; and
for each kitchen and bathroom in the premises, the extractor fan’s diameter or exhaust capacity.
However, if a habitable space does not comply with regulation 21 and the landlord relies on the exemption in regulation 22,—
the statement required by subclause (1)﻿(a) may exclude that habitable space; and
the section 13A statement must include—
a statement to the effect that the space is exempt from the requirement to have an openable window or external door; and
If a kitchen or bathroom does not comply with regulation 23 and the landlord relies on the exemption in regulation 24, the section 13A statement—
need not include the information required by subclause (1)﻿(b) for that room; and
a statement to the effect that the room is exempt from the requirement to have an extractor fan; and
In relation to regulations 25 and 26, the section 13A statement must include the following:
for each open fireplace in the premises, a statement that—
it is closed off, or its chimney is blocked; or
at the tenant’s request, the fireplace is available for use:
a statement that the premises are free from unintentional and unreasonable gaps between, and holes in, building elements that allow draughts into or out of the premises.
In relation to regulation 27, the section 13A statement must include a statement that the tenancy building has an efficient drainage system.
In relation to regulation 28, the section 13A statement must include a statement that—
the tenancy building does not have any enclosed subfloor spaces; or
each enclosed subfloor space in the tenancy building has a ground moisture barrier.
However, if an enclosed subfloor space does not comply with regulation 28 and the landlord relies on the exemption in regulation 29,—
the statement required by subclause (2)﻿(b) may exclude that subfloor space; and
a statement to the effect that the subfloor space is exempt from the requirement to have a ground moisture barrier; and
If the landlord need not comply with regulation 6 because of an exemption in regulation 30 or 31, the section 13A statement—
need not include the information required by regulations 34 to 38; but
a statement to the effect that the landlord is exempt from the healthy homes standards and stating which exemption is relied on; and
If, in relation to the landlord, regulation 6 is modified by regulation 32, the section 13A statement—
need not include information that is otherwise required by this subpart to the extent that the information does not exist or otherwise cannot be provided by the landlord; but
a statement to the effect that the landlord is relying on the exemption; and
For the purposes of section 123A(1)﻿(ca) of the Act, a landlord must retain sufficient relevant records or documents as reasonably provide evidence of the landlord’s compliance with the healthy homes standards in relation to the tenancy.
However, subclause (1)—
only requires the landlord to retain records or documents that the landlord has possession of at the commencement of the tenancy or acquires possession of during the tenancy; and
does not require the landlord to create or obtain a record or document merely for the purpose of retaining it for the purposes of section 123A(1)﻿(ca).
possess, in relation to a record or document, includes to have control of
relevant records or documents means any of the following to the extent that they relate to compliance with the healthy homes standards:
reports or other records of inspections of the premises, tenancy building, or installed or provided things (whether the inspections were done during or before the commencement of the tenancy), including photographs or video recordings:
records of any installation, maintenance or repair, or other work carried out at the premises or tenancy building (whether the work was done during or before the commencement of the tenancy):
records of calculations of a living room’s required heating capacity (for example, results from a heating capacity calculator (as defined in regulation 10)):
product manuals or other manufacturer’s information relating to installed or provided things:
certificates or other documents issued under or for the purposes of an enactment or a bylaw (for example, a code compliance certificate or building warrant of fitness under the Building Act 2004):
reports or other documents issued by a local authority (as defined in section 5(1) of the Local Government Act 2002) in relation to the premises or tenancy building (for example, a land information memorandum (LIM) report):
documents or records relating to the construction of, or work carried out at, the premises or tenancy building.
Part 4 Amendments to Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016
This Part amends the Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016.
After the Part 2 heading, insert:
Part 2 does not apply in relation to a tenancy of a type listed in the following table on and after the disapplication day specified in the table for that type of tenancy.
Disapplication day*
Boarding house tenancy (but not HNZ housing tenancy or community housing tenancy)
HNZ housing tenancy
Community housing tenancy
if DCT before 1 July 2021
if renewed on or after 1 July 2021 but before 2 April 2024
90th day after first renewal date after 1 July 2021
if DCT on or after 1 July 2021 but before 2 April 2024
90th day after DCT
if DCT on or after 2 April 2024
*The disapplication day for each type of tenancy is the same as the HH start day for that type of tenancy under clause 2 of Schedule 1 of the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019.
community housing tenancy means a residential tenancy of premises that are community housing as defined in section 2(1) of the Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters Act 1992
DCT means the date of commencement of the tenancy
general tenancy means a residential tenancy that is not a boarding house tenancy, HNZ housing tenancy, or community housing tenancy
HNZ housing tenancy means a residential tenancy of premises that are HNZ housing as defined in section 2(1) of the Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters Act 1992.
Replace regulation 21(1)﻿(a) with:
a person (the new owner) acquires another person’s (the former owner) interest in any premises; and
In regulation 21(1)﻿(b), replace “disposal” with “acquisition” .
After regulation 29, insert:
Regulations 31, 32, and 34 take effect on 2 July 2024.
Regulation 33 takes effect immediately after regulation 32.
In regulation 1, delete “and Insulation” .
In regulation 3(1), revoke the definitions of income-related rent tenancy, NZS 4246:2016, R-value, reasonable condition, and zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3.
In regulation 3(3), delete “or insulation” in each place.
Revoke Part 2.
In Schedule 1, after clause 10, insert:
Part 3 Provision relating to Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019
11 References to previous Title
On and after 2 July 2024, every reference in any enactment and in any other document to the Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016 must, unless the context otherwise provides, be read as a reference to the Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms) Regulations 2016.
Provisions relating to these regulations as made
2 Application of sections 45(1)﻿(bb) and 66I(1)﻿(bb) of Act—dates for compliance with healthy homes standards
Transitional insulation standard
3 2016 insulation regulations continued as transitional insulation standard
Modification of standards for things installed before 1 July 2019
4 Heating standard—tolerance for existing insufficient heaters
5 Heating standard—electric heaters to top up existing heaters
6 Ceiling insulation installed before 1 July 2016—exemption from R-values
7 Insulation installed before 1 October 2016—compliance with NZS 4246
8 Ventilation standard—extractor fans installed before 1 July 2019
9 Ground moisture barrier installed before 1 July 2019
Modification of general exemption for tenancy commencing before HH start day
10 Exemption if premises due to be demolished or substantially rebuilt—modification of date
11 Application dates for information requirements
12 Information in section 13A statement before HH start day
13 Application date for document retention requirements
HH start day, in relation to a tenancy, means the day specified in the table in clause 2 as the HH start day for a tenancy of that type (being the day on and after which the healthy homes standards must be complied with)
HNZ housing tenancy means a residential tenancy of premises that are HNZ housing as defined in section 2(1) of the Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters Act 1992
transitional insulation standard means the 2016 insulation regulations as continued by clause 3(1) (and therefore included in the healthy homes standards by operation of clause 13 of Schedule 1AA of the Act).
This clause prescribes times for the purposes of clause 12(5) and (6) of Schedule 1AA of the Act (which specifies when the healthy homes standards must be complied with).
The prescribed time for a tenancy of a type listed in the following table is the beginning of the day specified in the table as the HH start day for a tenancy of that type.
HH start day
The prescribed time for a tenancy, as determined under subclause (2), applies in relation to all the healthy homes standards except the transitional insulation standard (for that standard see clause 3).
In this clause, DCT means the date of commencement of the tenancy.
The 2016 insulation regulations continue in force on and after 1 July 2019, and (as applicable) come into force on or after that date, as if they had been made under new section 138B(1).
For the purposes of clause 12(5) and (6) of Schedule 1AA of the Act (which specifies when the healthy homes standards must be complied with), the prescribed time in relation to the transitional insulation standard is,—
for a tenancy that commenced before 1 July 2019, the beginning of 1 July 2019; or
for a tenancy that commences on or after 1 July 2019, the commencement of the tenancy.
2016 insulation regulations has the same meaning as in clause 13 of Schedule 1AA of the Act
new section 138B(1) means section 138B(1) of the Act as inserted by section 6 of the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act 2017.
This clause modifies regulation 8 in relation to living rooms that have certain large but insufficient heaters that were installed before 1 July 2019.
the main living room of residential premises is heated by 1 or more large heaters that were installed before 1 July 2019; and
the total heating capacity of those large heaters is at least 90% of the required heating capacity for the living room.
Regulation 8(1) applies as if “90% of” were inserted before “the required heating capacity” .
If a landlord relies on this clause, the section 13A statement must include—
a brief description of the circumstances giving rise to the application of this clause.
In this clause, large heater means a qualifying heater with a heating capacity of more than 2.4 kW.
This clause modifies the definition of unacceptable heater in regulation 9(2) in relation to certain living rooms that have insufficient heating that was installed before 1 July 2019.
the required heating capacity for a living room (amount A) is more than 2.4 kW; and
as at 1 July 2019 there were 1 or more qualifying heaters heating the living room; and
the total heating capacity of those heaters (amount B) is less than the required heating capacity for the living room; and
the difference between amount A and amount B is less than or equal to 1.5 kW.
In determining whether another heater, installed on or after 1 July 2019, is an unacceptable heater, regulation 9(2)﻿(c) does not apply.
This clause modifies the definition of qualifying ceiling insulation in regulation 14 for certain ceiling insulation that was installed before 1 July 2016.
there is ceiling insulation covering a ceiling at residential premises; and
the insulation was installed before 1 July 2016; and
immediately before the HH start day for the tenancy, the landlord complied with the landlord’s obligations under Part 2 of the Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016; and
the minimum thickness of the insulation material is at least 120 mm.
In determining whether the insulation is qualifying ceiling insulation, regulation 14(1)﻿(a) does not apply.
If a landlord relies on this clause in relation to a ceiling, the section 13A statement must include—
a statement to the effect that this clause is relied on; and
This clause modifies the definition of qualifying ceiling insulation and qualifying underfloor insulation in regulations 14 and 16 for insulation installed before 1 October 2016.
If insulation was installed before 1 July 2016, regulation 14(1)﻿(b) or 16(1)﻿(b) does not apply.
If insulation was installed on or after 1 July 2016 but before 1 October 2016, regulation 14(1)﻿(b) or 16(1)﻿(b) applies as if “NZS 4246:2016” were replaced with “New Zealand Standard NZS 4246:2006 Energy efficiency—Installing insulation in residential buildings” .
This clause modifies the requirements for extractor fans in regulation 23 for certain fans that were installed before 1 July 2019.
If an extractor fan was installed before 1 July 2019, regulation 23(2) or (3) does not apply.
If a landlord relies on this clause in relation to a kitchen or bathroom, the section 13A statement—
need not include the information required by regulation 36(1)﻿(b) for that room; but
This clause modifies the installation requirements in regulation 28 for ground moisture barriers installed before 1 July 2019.
If a ground moisture barrier was installed before 1 July 2019, regulation 28(2)﻿(a)﻿(i) and (ii) does not apply.
This clause modifies the operation of regulation 31 in relation to tenancies that commence before their HH start day.
If a tenancy commenced before its HH start day, regulation 31 applies as if all the references in regulation 31 to the commencement of the tenancy were references to its HH start day.
Subpart 1 of Part 3 applies to a tenancy agreement or renewal that is made and signed by the landlord on or after 1 December 2020 (even if that is before the tenancy’s HH start day).
However, that subpart does not apply to a tenancy agreement or renewal if—
the tenancy is a fixed-term tenancy; and
the end of the term is before the tenancy’s HH start day.
Schedule 1 clause 11(1): amended, on 30 June 2020, by regulation 4 of the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Amendment Regulations 2020 (LI 2020/101).
a tenancy agreement or renewal is made and signed by the landlord before the tenancy’s HH start day; and
a regulation in relation to which information is required by subpart 1 of Part 3 to be included in the section 13A statement is not complied with.
The section 13A statement in the tenancy agreement or renewal—
need not include the information required in relation to that regulation to the extent that it does not exist or otherwise cannot be provided by the landlord; but
must include a statement to the effect that compliance with the regulation is not required until the HH start day (which must be stated) or that the landlord will rely on an exemption (if applicable).
Regulation 40 applies to all tenancies on or after 1 July 2019.
However, it only applies in relation to compliance with healthy homes standards that apply, or will apply, during the tenancy.
For a tenancy that commenced before 1 July 2019, regulation 40(2)﻿(a) applies as if “the commencement of the tenancy or” were replaced by “1 July 2019 or subsequently” .
Schedule 2 Heating capacity of qualifying heaters in main living room
area, in relation to a building element of a living room, means the area of the face of the building element internal to the living room (but see also subclause (2))
conditioned space means a space within a building that is designed or built with the intention that it may be directly or indirectly heated or cooled for occupant comfort
thermal envelope, in relation to a building, means the building elements that together enclose all of the conditioned spaces within the building (being so much of the roof (if any) and all of the walls, ceilings, floors, windows, skylights, and doors that separate conditioned spaces from spaces within the building that are not conditioned spaces or from spaces outside the building)
window includes any transparent or translucent area in a building’s thermal envelope other than a skylight.
For the purpose of determining its area or construction R-value, a window, skylight, or door is taken to include its frame and associated joinery.
2 Required heating capacity
h = [t + v + (f × 40) ] ÷ 1000
3 Transmission heat loss
The transmission heat loss of a living room is to be calculated using the following formula:
t = [ d + (e × g) ] × (b − c)
is the transmission heat loss of the living room (W)
The value of d is to be calculated using the following formula:
is the transmission heat loss in respect of the living room’s building elements that are part of the building’s thermal envelope (W)
is the area of ceiling j (m2)
is the construction R-value of ceiling j (°Cm2/W)
is the numbering index for all of the living room’s ceilings that are part of the building’s thermal envelope
is the area of wall k (m2)
is the construction R-value of wall k (°Cm2/W)
is the numbering index for all of the living room’s walls that are part of the building’s thermal envelope
is the area of floor m (m2)
is the construction R-value of floor m (°Cm2/W)
is the numbering index for all of the living room’s floors that are part of the building’s thermal envelope
is the area of window n (m2)
is the construction R-value of window n (°Cm2/W)
is the numbering index for all of the living room’s external windows
is the area of skylight p (m2)
is the construction R-value of skylight p (°Cm2/W)
is the numbering index for all of the living room’s skylights.
The value of e is to be calculated using the following formula:
is the transmission heat loss in respect of the building elements that form the boundaries of the living room but are not part of the building’s thermal envelope (W)
is the area of ceiling q (m2)
is the construction R-value of ceiling q (°Cm2/W)
is the numbering index for all of the living room’s ceilings that are part of the boundary of the living room but are not part of the building’s thermal envelope
is the area of wall s (m2)
is the construction R-value of wall s (°Cm2/W)
is the numbering index for all the living room’s walls that are part of the boundary of the living room but are not part of the building’s thermal envelope
is the area of floor area u (m2)
is the construction R-value of floor area u (°Cm2/W)
is the numbering index for all of the living room’s floors that are part of the boundary of the living room but are not part of the building’s thermal envelope.
For the purposes of subclauses (2) and (3), if a ceiling, wall, or floor consists of 2 or more areas that have different construction R-values, each of those areas is taken to be a separate ceiling, wall, or floor.
4 Ventilation heat loss
The ventilation heat loss of a living room is to be calculated using the following formula:
v = w × y × z × (b − c)
is the ventilation heat loss of the living room (W)
5 Assumed external temperature
The assumed external temperature for residential premises is the temperature set out in the following table for the territorial authority in whose district the premises are located.
Assumed external temperature (°C)
Ashburton District Council −5
Buller District Council −3
Carterton District Council −4
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council −3
Central Otago District Council −8
Chatham Islands Council −1
Christchurch City Council −4
Clutha District Council −4
Dunedin City Council −4
Far North District Council 2
Gisborne District Council 0
Gore District Council −4
Grey District Council −2
Hamilton City Council −3
Hastings District Council −2
Hauraki District Council −2
Horowhenua District Council −3
Hurunui District Council −5
Hutt City Council −1
Invercargill City Council −4
Kaikōura District Council 1
Kaipara District Council 1
Kapiti Coast District Council −3
Kawerau District Council −2
Mackenzie District Council −10
Manawatu District Council −2
Marlborough District Council −3
Masterton District Council −4
Matamata–Piako District Council −3
Napier City Council −2
Nelson City Council −3
New Plymouth District Council 0
Ōpōtiki District Council −2
Otorohanga District Council −3
Palmerston North City Council −3
Porirua City Council 0
Queenstown–Lakes District Council −6
Rangitikei District Council −4
Rotorua District Council −3
Ruapehu District Council −5
Selwyn District Council −4
South Taranaki District Council −1
South Waikato District Council −3
South Wairarapa District Council −4
Southland District Council −6
Stratford District Council −2
Tararua District Council −3
Tasman District Council −4
Taupō District Council −5
Tauranga City Council 0
Thames–Coromandel District Council −1
Timaru District Council −5
Upper Hutt City Council −3
Waikato District Council −2
Waimakariri District Council −4
Waimate District Council −5
Waipa District Council −3
Wairoa District Council 0
Waitaki District Council −5
Waitomo District Council −3
Wellington City Council 2
Western Bay of Plenty District Council −1
Westland District Council −2
Whakatane District Council −2
Whanganui District Council −1
Whangarei District Council 2
Date of notification in Gazette: 14 May 2019.
This is a reprint of the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 that incorporates all the amendments to those regulations as at the date of the last amendment to them.
Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Amendment Regulations 2020 (LI 2020/101)