Where Healthy Homes Compliance Is Catching Landlords Out
The standards are live, and for many owners, compliance has proven more complex than expected.
Healthy Homes has now been in force for several months, and many landlords are discovering that compliance isn’t as simple as it first appeared. Small assumptions and grey areas are creating unexpected issues.
Read on to see where compliance is commonly slipping and what to watch for.
The healthy homes standards have now been in force since July 2025, and for many landlords the past few months have been a reality check. What looked straightforward on paper has proven far more nuanced in practice. We are increasingly hearing from owners who believed they were compliant, only to discover small gaps creating stress, delays, or risk of penalties.
Why “its always rented fine” isn’t enough
One common assumption is that a property that has “always rented fine” must already meet the standards. Older homes, in particular, often fall short in less visible areas such as draught stopping, ground moisture barriers, or extractor fan performance. Another misconception is that a single inspection or installer sign-off guarantees ongoing compliance. In reality, compliance must be maintained, not just achieved once. A third assumption is that tenants will report issues early. Many do not, meaning small problems can quietly turn into breaches. Finally, some landlords assume that a partial upgrade, such as new insulation, automatically ticks off the full requirement, when the standard is often more detailed than expected.
Where interpretation becomes unclear
There are also grey areas that continue to confuse landlords. Ventilation is a big one. The rules specify performance standards, not just the presence of a fan, which means older units may technically exist but still fail. Heating is another. What counts as the “main living space” can be interpreted differently depending on layout, and misjudging this can lead to non-compliance. Moisture and drainage standards also cause uncertainty, particularly where older properties have mixed foundations or retrofitted systems that do not clearly meet modern definitions.
The small things that cause the biggest headaches
It is often the small compliance gaps that cause the biggest headaches. Missing paperwork is a frequent issue, even where work has been done correctly. Slightly undersized heaters, fans installed in the wrong location, or insulation that has shifted over time can all trigger problems during inspections. These issues may seem minor, but they can lead to notices, fines, or delays in re-letting a property.
Why Health Homes isn’t just a checklist
The challenge is that healthy homes compliance is not just a checklist. Properties age, standards interact with each other, and real-world conditions rarely match textbook examples. Coordinating trades, keeping records up to date, interpreting guidance correctly, and responding quickly when something changes takes time and experience.
When its time to take a second look
If you are self-managing and feeling unsure, now is the time to review your approach. Compliance expectations are only getting tighter, and enforcement is becoming more consistent. A quick conversation with a professional can uncover hidden risks, clarify obligations, and give you a clear path forward. It is often the simplest way to protect both your investment and your peace of mind. Without unnecessary cost or confusion.
How Birds Nest can help
At Birds Nest, we monitor compliance proactively, manage inspections, coordinate trusted contractors, and keep documentation current. More importantly, we spot issues early, before they become costly problems.
Information in this article is based on guidance from Tenancy Services and the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations, alongside real-world compliance issues observed across Canterbury rental properties.
