HEATING STANDARD
To meet the HHS obligations, landlords must install fixed heating in the main living room that can reach a minimum of 18 ° C on the coldest days. This ensures the property is warm, energy-efficient, and healthier for tenants.
Only certain types of heaters qualify- they must be fixed in place, capable of directly heating the space, and meet minimum kilowatt requirements based on the room’ s size and features. Open-plan spaces are treated as one room and must be heated accordingly.
The easiest way to calculate the required heating capacity is to use the tenancy. govt. nz heating assessment tool, which takes into account your location, insulation levels, and room details.
COMMON HEATING COMPLIANCE QUESTIONS
What kind of heater do I need? You must install a fixed heater( like a heat pump or panel heater) in the main living area that can reach the required heating capacity. Portable heaters are not compliant.
What if my heater isn’ t big enough? You can‘ top up’ with an additional small fixed electric heater( ≤2.4kW), as long as the combined capacity meets the required total and the existing heater qualifies.
Can I keep my old heater? Yes- if it was installed before 1 July 2019, has a capacity over 2.4kW, meets general safety and installation standards, and still provides at least 80 per cent of the required heating output.
Are there any exemptions? Yes- If it’ s not reasonably practicable to install a compliant heater( e. g., due to access issues, structural concerns, or risk of major damage), or if the property is a certified passive building, an exemption may apply.
LANDLORD INFORMATION GUIDE 21