A healthy home is one that is warm, dry well-ventilated, and free from draughts. Living in a home like this can make a real difference to your health, comfort, and quality of life - particularly as you get older. Research shows that cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked with poorer health outcomes, such as an increased chance of respiratory illnesses, while warmer and drier homes are associated with better health and lower healthcare costs.
Living in a healthy home can help to:
- Reduce the risk of illness, particularly respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and other chest infections.
- Reduce visits to the doctor and hospital admissions.
- Support better day-to-day functioning, including fewer absences from work and improved participation in day-to-day activities.
- Lower heating costs, as insulated, draught-free homes are generally easier and thus more affordable to keep warm.
For older people, maintaining a warm indoor temperature can be especially important. Cold, damp conditions can worsen existing health conditions and make it harder to stay comfortable and independent at home.
Renting? Know your rights
If you're renting, your landlord has legal responsibilities under New Zealand's Healthy Home Standards. These standards set minimum requirements for:
- Heating
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Moisture ingress and drainage
- Draught stopping
All rental properties must comply with these standards unless a specific exemption applies.
As a tenant, you have the right to live in a rental property that meets these standards. If you believe your home does not comply, you can raise the issue with your landlord or seek advice from the Tenancy Services or your local Citizen's Advice Bureau.
Find out more
You can read more about the Healthy Homes Standards on the Tenancy Services website.
If you own your home, you may be eligible for subsidised insulation and heating through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.
Updated: 8 Jul 2026