Rental laws continue to evolve: here’s what matters right now.
From Healthy Homes through to pets and what’s coming next, the rental rulebook continues to shift. This is a quick, practical snapshot of the changes that matter.
And a reminder that you’ve got experienced specialists keeping a close eye on the fine print – here if you need us, to ensure your property stays compliant without the extra legwork.
Healthy Homes
The 1 July 2025 Healthy Homes compliance deadline marked an important milestone for landlords across New Zealand. Bringing properties up to standard took planning and effort, with the result being exactly what the legislation intended: warmer, drier, healthier rentals.
While the deadline has passed, the standards themselves continue. Compliance is ongoing, which means systems need to stay in good working order and records kept up to date.
As a reminder, the five core areas remain:
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Heating: Fixed heaters of certain types capable of warming the main living area to a set temperature
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Insulation: Ceiling and underfloor insulation meeting current requirements
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Ventilation: Openable windows plus externally vented extractor fans
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Moisture ingress and drainage: Effective water management via clear gutters and downpipes and ground moisture barriers where there is an enclosed subfloor
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Draught stopping: Sealing gaps and closing unused fireplaces unless otherwise agreed
One important detail not to overlook: your Healthy Homes compliance statement must be accurate and signed. If your property is managed by Barfoot & Thompson, this is actively overseen by your property manager, supported by our in-house compliance and legal specialists.
Furry Friends
As flagged in our last newsletter, new pet rules came into effect on 1 December 2025. Tenants can now request pets, landlords still have the right to refuse on reasonable grounds, and a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent may be charged. Tenants are also fully responsible for any pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear.
It’s worth taking a moment to consider how pets could impact your property, insurance cover and tenancy agreements. Our teams are already helping landlords work through this so expectations are clear and there are no surprises. If you’d like to talk it through, your property manager can help.
Meth Testing
New methamphetamine contamination rules are expected to come into force in 2026. While details are still being finalised, the proposed changes include:
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New contamination thresholds of 15µg per 100cm² under which a property can be deemed safe to occupy for rental purposes
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The ability to end tenancies if levels exceed 30µg per 100cm
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Professional testing requirements in certain situations
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Clearer rules for managing abandoned goods in contaminated properties
There’s nothing you need to do immediately. We’ll continue to monitor developments closely and share practical guidance once the final rules are confirmed.
In the meantime, it may be worth checking whether your insurance policy covers decontamination costs and knowing this area is being actively managed on your behalf.
Have questions? Get in touch with your local Barfoot & Thompson branch, or talk to your dedicated property manager today.
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