Draught stopping standard
Draughts make homes colder and increase heating costs for tenants. All rental properties must follow the draught stopping standard.
Landlords who do not meet their obligations under the healthy homes standards are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 – and may face consequences, like financial penalties of up to $7200
Landlords who are not sure where to start can read our healthy homes toolkit for landlords.
What is the draught stopping standard?
Landlords must already provide rental properties in a reasonable state of repair.
Under the healthy homes standards, landlords must make sure their rental property does not have unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, skylights, floors and doors which cause noticeable draughts.
Landlords cannot use the age and condition of the house as a reason not to stop gaps or holes. If rental homes have an open fireplace, it must be closed off or the chimney blocked to prevent draughts in and out of the property through the fireplace.
Tenants can ask landlords in writing to make the fireplace available for use and the landlord can agree. If it is available for use, it must be in good working order and free of any gaps which could cause a draught that are not necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the open fireplace. It is best practice to record any agreement in writing, with both tenant and landlord keeping a copy.
It is not necessary to remove wood burners to comply with the standards, however landlords must ensure they have been correctly installed and consented.
Our guidance document has more specific information on the draught stopping standard.
Managing door gaps
If a door has an unreasonable gap causing a noticeable draught, that draught must be stopped. While there is no set maximum gap for doors, the technical guidance document will help landlords and tenants identify when a gap is unreasonable and the resulting draught stopped.
Managing asbestos risks
Landlords must manage any asbestos-related risks when work is being done at their property.
This is to protect the health and safety of tenants, neighbours, contractors and anyone else who may be affected.
Last updated: 01 July 2025
