Under the Healthy Homes standards, a rental's main living room needs fixed heating that can warm it to at least 18°C. The capacity required is worked out for each room, and for most living rooms a correctly sized heat pump is the simplest way to meet it.
In this article5 sections
If you own a rental, the Healthy Homes standards are part of the job. The heating standard is the one we help landlords with most, because in most cases the answer is a heat pump sized properly for the main living room.
What the heating standard asks for
- One or more fixed heaters in the main living room, able to heat it to at least 18°C.
- The heating capacity required is calculated for that room, based on its size, insulation, windows and other factors. Tenancy Services provides an online heating assessment tool for this.
- Some heating doesn't count: portable heaters, open fires and unflued gas heaters, for example. Plain electric heaters are only allowed for very small requirements, so a heat pump is usually the practical choice.
The standards apply to private rentals, and landlords need to keep records showing how they comply. For the full, current rules, check tenancy.govt.nz.
Why a heat pump is the usual answer
- It's fixed and has the capacity to meet the requirement in most living rooms.
- It's cheap for tenants to run, which helps keep the home warm and dry and the tenants happy.
- It cools in summer, a real plus when you're marketing the property.
- A warm, well-heated home is less prone to condensation and mould, which protects your investment.
Getting the size right
The assessment gives you a minimum heating capacity in kilowatts. The heat pump you install must meet or exceed that heating figure. Don't go by the model name, which usually refers to cooling. We size the unit against your requirement, allow for open-plan connections and cold Waikato mornings, and give you the model details for your records.
Don't forget ventilation
The Healthy Homes standards also cover ventilation: kitchens and bathrooms need extractor fans that vent outside, and living spaces need windows that open. If you're upgrading the heating, it's a good time to check these too.
How we help landlords
We work with landlords and property managers across Hamilton, the Waikato and Auckland: a free assessment, a fixed-price quote, a tidy install, and the paperwork you need. If the tenants are in, we work around them and keep disruption to a minimum.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heat pump meet the Healthy Homes heating standard?
A correctly sized fixed heat pump in the main living room is the most common way landlords meet the heating standard. It must be able to heat the room to at least 18 °C, and the required capacity is worked out for that specific room.
How do I work out the heating capacity for Healthy Homes?
Tenancy Services provides an official heating assessment tool that calculates the required capacity for the main living room. We can take the measurements and recommend a unit that meets the result.
Can I use a portable heater to meet the standard?
No. The heating standard requires fixed heating, and some types of heater are not allowed. A fixed heat pump is the usual choice.
Ready for a comfortable home all year?
Book a free in-home assessment and get a fixed-price written quote from our local team in Hamilton, the Waikato and Auckland.