How to Prepare Your Home for Winter According to NZ Healthy Homes Standards
As the colder months approach, it's crucial to prepare your Auckland home to ensure it remains warm, dry, and compliant. For landlords, this isn’t just best practice—it’s the law. Under New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards (Ministry of Housing), every rental property must meet specific criteria to safeguard tenant health and wellbeing. For homeowners, winter-proofing protects your investment and enhances comfort.At Harcourts Patras & Co Greenlane, we help Aucklanders take proactive steps to meet these standards and improve overall home performance through all seasons.
1. Check Insulation Compliance and Coverage
Insulation is a major component of the Healthy Homes Standards NZ, especially for older homes in Auckland. Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet the 2008 Building Code or have been upgraded to current standards.
- Ensure at least 120mm ceiling insulation
- Check underfloor insulation is intact and not damp
- Avoid gaps, compression, or missing sections
If you're unsure whether your property meets these requirements, book a Healthy Homes assessment in Auckland with a certified provider. Our team at Harcourts Greenlane can connect you with reliable local professionals.
2. Install Compliant Heating in Living Spaces
To comply with the Healthy Homes heating standard, your main living area must be heatable to at least 18°C.Approved heating options include:
- Energy-efficient heat pumps
- Flued gas heaters
- Wood burners (with council approval)
Avoid portable LPG heaters, as they are non-compliant and pose fire and air quality risks. If you're preparing a rental property for winter, installing compliant heating is one of the most important landlord responsibilities in NZ.
3. Ventilation and Moisture Management
Mould and dampness are common winter issues in Auckland homes, but Healthy Homes regulations are clear: extractor fans are mandatory in kitchens and bathrooms.Key tasks:
- Check roof for leaks and clear gutters
- Install or service extractor fans
- Keep windows open when weather allows
- Lay a ground moisture barrier if the property has a subfloor
This reduces condensation and helps meet both the ventilation and moisture ingress standards.
4. Stop Draughts and Heat Loss
Draughts around windows, doors, and flooring can drastically reduce heating efficiency.
- Use door seals and weatherstripping
- Block unused fireplaces and chimneys
- Close any unreasonable gaps that let cold air in (a direct Healthy Homes requirement)
This is a cost-effective fix that improves both energy efficiency and indoor comfort—perfect whether you’re selling, renting, or living in the property.
5. Upgrade Windows and Curtains
Double glazing is an excellent upgrade, but if that’s not possible right now, thermal curtains are a great stop-gap.
- Install tightly-fitted curtains or blinds
- Apply temporary window insulation film
- Monitor condensation and air circulation
- Curtains play a surprisingly vital role in winter-proofing homes in Auckland—especially in older properties with wooden joinery.
6. Book a Healthy Homes Compliance Check
If you’re a landlord, Healthy Homes compliance is legally required before new tenancies begin. But even as a homeowner, this check gives you confidence in your home’s performance.Our Harcourts Greenlane Property Managers can assist with property compliance checks, service recommendations, and even free rental appraisals if you're considering entering the rental market.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for winter is about more than comfort—it’s about safety, health, and future-proofing your investment. With the Healthy Homes Standards NZ now fully in force, Auckland property owners must take a proactive approach.If you need help understanding your legal obligations or want to ensure your property is truly winter-ready, talk to the team at Harcourts Patras & Co Greenlane. We provide end-to-end real estate services, from compliance support to full property management.