More than 40% of Wellington renters have reported mould and damp issues in their homes despite being told their properties are in compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards.
The findings from Renters United's Aotearoa Renters Survey 2026 were released at a public meeting in Wellington on Saturday, with concerns also raised about a lack of oversight and accountability for landlords and property managers
Aro Valley resident Charlotte Billings told 1News mould had repeatedly appeared throughout her property, even growing across shoes she had stored in her bedroom.
“I haven't worn them out this year. Maybe once, but they've just grown mould on them,” she said.
Parts of the property's bathroom ceiling were also covered in mould, which Billings said repeatedly returned despite cleaning.
"The first time we noticed it, I got some mould off. But not long after it just appeared again."
The 20-year-old and her flatmates were ensured their home was Healthy Homes compliant before moving in six months ago, but she said she now struggled to see how it met the standard.
"It's usually colder in here than it usually is outside,” she said.
The flat’s Tommys Real Estate property manager told 1News the property had a Healthy Homes certificate. 1News also attempted to contact the flat’s landlord but did not receive a response.
'No oversight, no accountability'
Renters United president Luke Somervell said Billings' case was not an isolated incident.
Findings from the group's recent survey reported more than 40% of renters had reported mould-related issues, with 20%
Passed into law in July 2019, the standards introduced minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress, drainage and draught stopping.
“Ultimately at the moment Healthy Homes are still box-ticking exercise right for landlords and property managers," Somervell said.
“There's no oversight and there's no accountability for people who aren't doing the right thing.”
Renters United had called for a register of property managers and landlords, which it said would allow many renters to know whether those they were renting from had faced problems in the past.
It also claimed the government’s reintroduction of no-cause evictions had made tenants afraid to speak up - something Housing Minister Chris Bishop said he had not seen, but was "happy to have a look at".
“As I say, the healthy home standards we support. They're an important part of the rental market settings, but always happy to have a look at enforcement and how they’re working out in practice," Bishop said.
SHARE ME