Healthy Homes Compliance Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to make a NZ rental property comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Covers heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, and drainage.
About this calculator
This calculator implements Healthy Homes Standards (heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, drainage) from Tenancy Services NZ. Last consulted 18 May 2026. Verify the figures yourself by following the link.
NZ Healthy Homes Standards (5 areas)
From 1 July 2024 (all rentals)- •Heating standard: Fixed heater, sized to living room
- •Ceiling insulation R-value: R6.6 (zone 1-2) / R7.0 (zone 3)
- •Underfloor insulation R-value: R1.5+
- •Ventilation: Extractor fans in kitchen + bath
- •Moisture barrier (if floor enclosed): Polythene under floor
- •Max penalty per breach: $7,200 (Tenancy Tribunal)
Source: Tenancy Services NZ
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results should not be relied upon as professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are based on publicly available IRD data and may change. Always consult a qualified tax agent or financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.
How Healthy Homes compliance cost is estimated
Sum of unmet standards' remediation costs, each with $/m² or $/unit benchmarks.
- 1
Heat pump cost
Heating = $2,500 + ceil(kW_needed) × $500
kW = max(1.5, living_area ÷ 50 × 1.5).
- 2
Ceiling insulation
Ceiling = floor_m² × $25/m² (full top-up)
Partial top-up ~$15/m² if existing R2.9+.
- 3
Underfloor insulation
Underfloor = floor_m² × $20/m²
Often less practical in older homes with no access.
- 4
Misc (ventilation, moisture)
Extras = 2 × $350 (fans) + floor_m² × $15 (moisture barrier)
Plus drainage if needed.
- 5
Total compliance cost
Total = sum of non-compliant items
Penalty for non-compliance up to $7,200 per breach.
Worked example
Inputs: 120m² 1980s rental, no heat pump, no insulation, basic ventilation
Result: Heating $4k + ceiling $3k + underfloor $2.4k + fans $0.7k + moisture $1.8k = ~$11.9k.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NZ Healthy Homes Standards?
How much does it typically cost to comply?
How this calculator works
This healthy homes compliance cost calculator uses the latest data from official New Zealand government sources to provide accurate results. All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device.
All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.
Last reviewed: