A renter's guide to a warmer home

Renters often struggle to keep their homes warm without breaking their lease or budget. This guide covers practical, landlord-friendly ways to improve heating efficiency, reduce cold spots, and lower your energy bills—from simple draught-stoppers to smart heating choices.

Simple steps to warm your rental

Learn affordable ways to improve warmth: draught-proofing, thermal curtains, door snakes and window coverings.

Renter's guide - Cutting your power bills

We all get a shock when that first winter power bill arrives. Here are our tips for cutting your electricity use.

Insulation in rentals

Tenancy law requires landlords to have minimum levels of insulation installed in their rentals. Here’s what you need to know as a renter.

Renter's guide - Heating your rental

It can be hard to heat your home as a renter, so here are a few tips and tricks.

Renter's guide - Curtains in rentals

Curtains are essential for a warm, healthy home. Here's what to know as a renter to get the most out of your curtains.

Dealing with draughts and damp

Find out what you can do you plug draughts and keep your rental home dry.

Renter's guide - Dealing with draughts

Wind coming in through the gaps around windows and doors can affect the warmth of your home. Here are your options as a renter for keeping cold draughts at bay.

Renter's guide - Dealing with mould

Mould is a health hazard that can lead to increased illness in your household. Here's how to manage it.

Renter's guide - Dampness and ventilation

Dampness is a problem in many rentals. Here's how you can minimise it.

Renter's guide - Windows in rentals

A lot of your hard-earned heat can pour out of windows – even when they’re not open. Here are some simple steps that can minimise heat loss.

Your rights as a renter

What landlords must provide: healthy homes standards, heating requirements and your rights to a warm, dry home.

Renter's guide - Healthy home assessment

Is your house making you sick?

Smoke alarms in rentals

Smoke alarms are a lifesaver. And in rentals, they’re a legal requirement.

Rental checklist

What to look for to get a warm, dry, healthy home.

Rental homes, tenancies and landlords: your rights as a tenant when renting

Learn your renters’ rights as a tenant in NZ, plus the new rules for pets in rental properties explained.

Heating options for renters

Our test results and buying guides for portable heaters and dehumidifiers to keep your rental home warm and dry.

Electric heaters

Find the best electric heater for your home with our buying guide and test results for 31 current and 19 discontinued models. 

Dehumidifiers

Find the best dehumidifiers for your home with our buying guide and test results for 15 new and 7 discontinued models.

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