What does Healthy Homes require in a rental bathroom?

The part of the standards that touches the bathroom most directly is ventilation: bathrooms need an extractor fan that vents to the outside, with the standard referencing a minimum around 25 litres per second at the time of writing. Moisture and drainage also matter. Confirm the current figures, as the standards are updated over time.

Can the extractor fan vent into the roof space?

No. The fan has to vent to the outside air. Venting into the roof cavity is non-compliant and can cause condensation, mould and damage over time. It is one of the most common faults we find in older rental bathrooms.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Non-compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards can lead to Tenancy Tribunal penalties, reported at up to $7,200 per breach at the time of writing. Beyond the fine, a damp, mouldy bathroom shortens the life of the room and creates disputes. Confirm current penalty levels, as they can change.

Does renovating affect my compliance status?

It can. Renovation work can change what was previously assessed, so it is worth treating a bathroom renovation as the moment to bring ventilation fully up to standard rather than patch it. We build the ventilation side to the standard as part of any rental bathroom job.

Landlord guide

The Healthy Homes bathroom checklist

Since 1 July 2025 all private rentals must meet the Healthy Homes Standards. Most of the bathroom-specific requirement comes down to ventilation and moisture. Here is what to check, in plain terms, and how a renovation brings it up to standard properly.

Compact New Zealand bathroom with grey tiling, a timber framed mirror and a wall mounted vanity

Ventilation: the main event

Bathrooms must have an extractor fan that vents to the outside. The standard references a minimum around 25 litres per second at the time of writing, though a fan sized to the room usually clears moisture far better than the bare legal minimum.

The two faults we see most often in rental bathrooms are no fan at all, and a fan that vents into the roof space rather than outside. Both fail the standard. Always confirm the current requirement, as it is updated from time to time.

The quick checklist

There is an extractor fan, and it actually moves air
The fan vents to the outside, not into the roof or ceiling cavity
The fan is sized for the room, not just the bare minimum
No active leaks, and the waterproofing in the wet area is sound
Surfaces and grout are intact so moisture is not getting behind them
The room can dry out between uses without mould returning

Why it is worth doing properly

Non-compliance carries penalties reported at up to $7,200 per breach, and renovation work can change your existing compliance status. The upside is that a renovation is the natural moment to bring the bathroom fully up to standard rather than bolt a cheap fan on later. When we renovate a rental bathroom we sort the ventilation and waterproofing as part of the job. More on our rental bathrooms page.

Get your rentals compliant

Tell us about the property or portfolio and we will quote a fixed price to renovate and bring the bathroom up to the Healthy Homes standard.

Book a free quote See package prices