1. Partial ceiling insulation exemption reinstated
The first change reintroduces a partial exemption for ceiling insulation. In short: if your property has very limited usable ceiling/roof space (making it impracticable to install full ceiling insulation), you may be able to meet the Healthy Homes Standard by providing extra insulation elsewhere (walls, floors, windows) instead.
That exemption, however, only applies for properties whose building consent was granted after certain “cut-off” dates, aligned with when the Building Code insulation rule changes first applied in each climate zone: Zone 1: 31 October 2007, Zone 2: 30 June 2008, Zone 3: 30 September 2008.
The ceiling insulation adjustment eases the burden for properties where conventional ceiling insulation just isn’t feasible, avoiding costly retrofits.
2. Healthy Homes Standards now override older housing rules
The second change clears up confusion about which regulations apply when older housing rules clash with the Healthy Homes Standards (HHS). From 25 September 2025, the HHS will take priority over specific parts of the Housing Improvement Regulations 1947 (HIR) relating to heating, ventilation, and drainage.
Here’s what’s changed:
Heating: HHS Reg 8 replaces the old requirement for a fireplace or chimney (HIR Reg 6) with the modern rule that living rooms must have a fixed, qualifying heater that meets HHS standards.
Bathroom ventilation: HHS Regs 23 and 24 replace the old rule requiring an openable window (HIR Reg 9 (1)) — bathrooms with a bath or shower now need an extractor fan unless it’s not reasonably practicable.
Room ventilation: HHS Regs 21 and 22 supersede the older requirement for window size and ventilation (HIR Reg 11 (3)), with updated standards and exemptions.
Drainage: HHS Reg 27 replaces older drainage rules (HIR Regs 14 (1) & (2)) with clearer, performance-based drainage and moisture-ingress standards.
What it means: If your property already complies with the Healthy Homes Standards, you don’t need to do anything - the updated rules simply confirm that HHS requirements take precedence.
Need help checking compliance?
If you’re unsure whether your property meets the latest Healthy Homes Standards or want peace of mind before your next tenancy, you can arrange a comprehensive assessment with Healthy Homes NZ and get a $10 off for being a myRent customer.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
