May 26, 2025
As temperatures drop and dampness creeps in, winter can present real challenges for both landlords and tenants across New Zealand. From cold, draughty rooms to rising heating bills and potential mould growth, it pays to prepare early.
At i-Rentals, we’ve created this practical winter checklist to help keep your rental warm, dry, and Healthy Homes compliant - whether you’re managing the property or living in it.
A proactive approach to winter maintenance helps protect your investment and keeps your tenants happy and healthy. Here are nine landlord-friendly tips to get started:
Book a professional to inspect and clean heat pumps or fixed heating units. Dirty filters reduce efficiency, and an underperforming heater could breach Healthy Homes Heating Standards.
Pro Tip: Encourage tenants to run heat pumps at a consistent temperature instead of short bursts. It's more energy-efficient and helps reduce condensation.
Ensure your ceiling and underfloor insulation meets the Healthy Homes Insulation Standard. Top up or replace insulation that’s old, damp, or thin.
Use weather stripping or door snakes to prevent cold air from seeping in. Sealing up gaps keeps the home warmer and helps reduce heating costs.
Blocked gutters can overflow and cause major water damage. Clear them out and inspect the roof for cracked tiles, leaks, or sagging areas before winter rain sets in.
Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms are required by law under the Healthy Homes Ventilation Standard. Make sure they’re working correctly and encourage tenants to use them regularly.
It’s a legal requirement for rentals to have working smoke alarms. Test them, replace batteries, and ensure alarms are correctly installed in each bedroom and hallway.
In colder regions, wrap exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Check that garden taps are leak-free and switch off any outdoor water supplies not in use.
Make sure water drains away from the home. Check for blocked or slow drains, and inspect the foundation for pooling or erosion.
Send a seasonal maintenance update or share this checklist. A simple message asking tenants to report issues early can prevent costly repairs down the track.
As a tenant, small daily habits can make a big difference in keeping your home warm, dry, and mould-free—without driving up the power bill.
Open windows and doors for at least 10–15 minutes each day to reduce moisture. Use extractor fans during cooking and showering.
Dry off windows and walls where condensation builds up. This prevents mould and keeps your home feeling dry and fresh.
Let in natural warmth and sunlight. Close curtains at night to trap heat inside.
Clean the filters (ask your property manager how) and keep the heat pump running at a steady temperature. This is more energy-efficient than turning it off and on throughout the day.
If your home feels damp, a dehumidifier helps reduce mould and makes it easier to heat the space.
Leave small gaps behind beds, couches, and drawers to allow airflow. This helps prevent damp spots and mould.
Keep mattresses off the ground to reduce the chance of condensation forming underneath—especially important in winter.
If you notice mould, leaks, draughts, or problems with heating or ventilation, let your property manager know as soon as possible.
A warm, dry home isn’t just more comfortable - it’s safer and healthier. For landlords, winter maintenance protects your property and keeps you compliant with Healthy Homes Standards. For tenants, small changes help reduce power bills and create a better living environment.
Are you a landlord in Whangarei or Northland feeling overwhelmed by Healthy Homes standards, maintenance, seasonal changes, or tenancy laws? 🏡
Let i-Rentals take the stress off your plate! From day-to-day management to legal compliance, we’ve got it covered — saving you time, money, and hassle.
📞 Call us today on 021 438 232 and let’s make property management easy.
As temperatures drop and dampness creeps in, winter can present real challenges for both landlords and tenants across New Zealand. From cold, draughty rooms to rising heating bills and potential mould growth, it pays to prepare early. At i-Rentals, we’ve created this practical winter checklist to help keep your rental warm, dry, and Healthy Homes compliant - whether you’re managing the property or living in it.
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