A question we hear a lot from landlords is: "There's already a heat pump in the living room, so the property meets the Healthy Homes heating standard, right?"
The honest answer is: not automatically. The heating standard needs a fixed heater that can directly heat the main living room to at least 18°C, and it needs to have enough heating capacity for that particular room. A heat pump being on the wall doesn't prove it's the right size for the space.
And since 1 July 2025, every private rental in New Zealand must meet the Healthy Homes standards at all times, not just when a new tenancy starts.
Why sizing matters
The heating capacity a room needs depends on things like floor area, ceiling height, insulation, windows and where the property is. The official way to work it out is the Healthy Homes heating assessment tool on the Tenancy Services website.
A heat pump that's too small for the room may not meet the standard. A unit in the wrong spot may also struggle to heat the room properly in real life.
Replacing an old heat pump? Check this first
This one catches a lot of landlords out. Some older heat pumps installed before 1 July 2019 were allowed to count even though they were a bit undersized. But once that heat pump needs replacing, the new one has to meet the full required heating capacity for the room.
So when an old unit dies, don't just swap it for the same size. Check the heating requirement first.
What landlords should keep on file
Keep the heating calculation, the heat pump details and the installation records together. If a property manager, tenant or Tenancy Services asks how the heating standard is met, good records make the answer easy.
When an existing heat pump needs a second look
It's worth reviewing the setup if the heat pump is old, the room has changed, the property has been renovated, the unit has been replaced with a different model, or there's no clear record of how the required size was worked out.
How Linc can help
Linc Electrical supplies and installs heat pumps for landlords and property managers across Palmerston North and the Manawatū. We can help make sure the unit suits the room and give you the installation paperwork for your records. For the full requirements, always check the latest guidance from Tenancy Services.
Common questions
Does any heat pump meet the standard?
No. The heat pump needs to have enough heating capacity for the main living room, worked out using the official formula or tool.
Can Linc work with property managers across several rentals?
Yes. We work with property managers and landlords throughout Palmerston North and the Manawatū.
Does a replacement heat pump need to be checked again?
Yes. A replacement needs to meet the full heating requirement for the room.
Ready to get started?
If you manage a rental and aren't sure the heating is up to standard, get it checked before you assume "a heat pump on the wall" is enough. Email office@lincelectrical.co.nz, call us on 027 438 5462, or start a booking through our Book Now page.
