Winter in New Zealand can be tough on homes, and even tougher on rental properties that aren't properly prepared. As temperatures drop and the rain sets in, minor maintenance issues tend to show their true colours. A loose gutter, a tired old heat pump, or poor ventilation may seem like small concerns in summer, but they often become full-blown problems during the colder months.
For landlords, winter is when those small problems can lead to bigger costs. Leaks, mould, and heating failures aren’t just frustrating for tenants; they can also trigger compliance breaches under the Healthy Homes Standards. In some cases, unresolved issues may result in formal complaints or Tenancy Tribunal action. The key to avoiding that stress? A bit of early planning, some smart checks, and staying ahead of seasonal wear and tear.
NZ Landlord Responsibilities Under the Healthy Homes Standard
By now, most landlords are familiar with the Healthy Homes Standards, or at least they’ve heard the name tossed around enough to know it’s important. But winter is when these requirements really matter. If your rental’s heating doesn’t work or the ventilation is subpar, tenants are going to notice. Quickly.
To stay compliant and avoid nasty surprises, make sure your property ticks the following boxes:
- Heating: The main living area must have a fixed heater capable of warming the room to 18°C. This requires more than a plug-in fan heater from the garage.
- Insulation: Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet current minimum standards and be in good condition.
- Ventilation: Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms are mandatory, and they need to actually work, not just exist.
- Moisture Control: Enclosed subfloors must have a ground moisture barrier to prevent damp rising into the property.
- Draught Stopping: All unreasonable gaps or holes that let cold air in must be blocked.
If any of this sounds vague or you’re unsure whether you’re compliant, now’s the time to get it checked. The Tenancy Services website offers detailed guidance, and so do we.
Stop Mould Before It Starts
Mould isn't just a cosmetic issue; it’s a health concern, a compliance risk, and a clear sign that moisture management isn’t working. During winter, condensation builds up quickly, especially in properties without adequate ventilation or insulation. Even if tenants are ventilating rooms as best they can, the property itself needs to be set up to prevent damp from taking hold.
Here’s how to stay ahead of the issue:
- Check extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. They must vent to the outside and be functional, not just decorative.
- Inspect for leaks around windows, pipes, and under sinks. These are common triggers for mould during colder months.
- Install ground moisture barriers in enclosed subfloor spaces to reduce rising damp.
- Provide or recommend a dehumidifier for older or particularly humid homes.
- Educate tenants with a short guide on preventing condensation, mould, and how to report issues early.
Check Roofs, Gutters, and Runoff
A blocked downpipe or slipped roof tile during a heavy downpour can cause internal water damage that’s costly to fix and extremely disruptive for tenants. A proactive approach can save a lot of stress (and money).
Make sure you:
- Clear all gutters and downpipes in late autumn and mid-winter if needed.
- Inspect roof flashings, tiles, and joins, especially around skylights, chimneys, and vents.
- Look for early signs of interior leaks, like bubbling paint, water stains, or sagging ceilings.
- Install gutter guards in areas with heavy leaf fall to reduce maintenance frequency.
- Check runoff to ensure it’s directed away from the building’s foundation.
Keep Heating Functional, Compliant, and Efficient
Having heating is one thing. Having heating that meets the Healthy Homes Standards is another entirely. Too many landlords are still relying on heat sources that don’t meet compliance or simply don’t warm the space effectively, especially in older homes with poor insulation.
Here’s what to look for:
- Check that the fixed heater in the main living area is large enough to heat the space to 18°C (use MBIE’s heating tool to confirm).
- Service heat pumps annually to keep them running efficiently and avoid mid-winter failures.
- Don’t rely on portable heaters, which typically don’t meet compliance and come with added fire risk.
- Provide clear instructions on how to operate thermostats, timers, and remotes (user error is a common issue).
How The Rent Shop Takes the Hassle Out of Winter (and Compliance)
If you’ve ever tried to juggle rental maintenance, tenant queries, and ever-changing regulations on your own, you’ll know it’s not exactly a quiet season. From organising tradespeople to interpreting Healthy Homes rules, being a landlord can quickly feel like a full-time job. That’s where a property manager makes all the difference. At The Rent Shop, we don’t do passive management. We actively protect your investment.
Our team stays across all aspects of Healthy Homes compliance, including heating assessments, insulation standards, ventilation checks, and moisture control. We understand the finer details of the regulations and work with qualified professionals to ensure your property meets all requirements. If anything’s non-compliant, we’ll tell you what needs fixing and help get it sorted without you having to navigate the paperwork or hunt down a trustworthy tradie.
Winter-Ready Rentals Start with Smart Preparation
Winter property issues aren’t always dramatic, but they can be disruptive, expensive, and time-consuming if left unchecked. A bit of foresight now saves a lot of cost and stress later. Whether it’s keeping on top of heating performance, stopping damp in its tracks, or ensuring your property meets compliance standards, preparation is what separates responsive landlords from reactive ones.
The key takeaway? You don’t need to wait for things to go wrong to take action.
A well-maintained, compliant home isn’t just good for tenants; it protects your long-term investment, reduces vacancy risk, and helps you stay in control during the most demanding season of the year.
If winter maintenance has slipped down your to-do list, now’s the time to move it back up.
Get in touch with The Rent Shop to make sure your rental is winter-ready, inside and out.
