Does a rental home need a heat pump, or is an electric heater enough?
An electric heater can be enough, but it depends on the room. If the main living room needs more than 2.4 kW of heating capacity, electric heaters generally cannot be used, except heat pumps. Heat pumps and electric heaters must have a thermostat. Any fixed heater must be at least 1.5 kW.
Official figures
- Deadline to comply
- From 1 July 2025, all private rental homes must meet the healthy homes standards1
- Penalty for landlords who do not comply
- This is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. The landlord can be fined up to NZ$7,2001
- Compliance statement in the tenancy agreement
- New or renewed tenancy agreements must include a signed compliance statement. If it is missing, the landlord can be fined up to NZ$500 per tenancy agreement1
- Asking for compliance information
- Tenants can ask the landlord for information about compliance. The landlord must provide it within 21 days1
- Heating
- The main living room must have one or more fixed heaters that heat the room directly. They must be at least 1.5 kW and meet the heating capacity the room needs3
Official sources
- Healthy homes complianceTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- Healthy homes standards – what a tenant needs to knowTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- Heating standardTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- Insulation standardTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Healthy homes standards: minimum rules for rental homes →
People also ask
- My rental house is freezing in winter. Does my landlord have to provide a heater?
- How do I check if my rented flat meets the healthy homes standards?
- My bathroom has no extractor fan and there is mould. Can I ask my landlord to install one?
- My house has an HRV system. Does that meet the ventilation standard?
- What is the fine for a landlord who does not meet the healthy homes standards?
- Does my landlord need to give notice before coming in to install insulation?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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