Maintenance management is a critical aspect of long-term success for a property development. For developers with a build-to-rent strategy, who are retaining properties as landlords or who plan on selling to investors, it’s essential buildings are well maintained to preserve value, as well as keep up with the requirements of property regulations.

A regulation to look out for and keep ahead of the curve before its official implementation is the Healthy Homes standards, which will require a thorough investigation into maintenance management.

Healthy Homes

As of July 1, 2025, all rental properties are required to comply with the guidelines outlined in the Healthy Homes standards. The standard is being introduced in an effort to improve the quality of rental properties in New Zealand, many of which are cold, damp and mouldy.

These standards are also going to better protect a landlord’s investment. To be compliant, properties must meet specific criteria related to insulation and minimum R-values, heating, ventilation, moisture ingress, drainage and draught exclusion.

The specifications of these areas will likely fall outside the typical maintenance scope. Developers with the intent of a build-to-rent structure must be aware of how the properties will be upheld to the Healthy Homes standards and how all maintenance will be clearly recorded.

Regular audits and checks will ensure properties are always in line with the standards, and committing to long-term maintenance will largely assist in maintaining compliance with these regulations.

Auditing, Tracking

A key responsibility of developers who retain their properties as a landlord will be to ensure all maintenance is meticulously audited and tracked. This level of maintenance management serves not only to increase the life and value of the building, but also reduces significant repair costs, will keep tenants happy, and will ensure legal compliance.

Record-keeping is a necessity and the best way to optimise this process is to look into incorporating technology such as comprehensive management software.

This kind of software is designed to track ongoing maintenance, organise future scheduled maintenance, and keep a complete historic record of all maintenance work. Documenting maintenance to this level can help highlight potential red flags that need immediate attention before they grow into a large issue.

Landlords must provide sufficient record-keeping of all completed maintenance, and the ability to pull up historical data and provide complete transparency is invaluable.

Ultimately, property developers who are going down the road of build-to-rent must recognise that maintenance is not just a required expense but effective maintenance management and an investment in the future of the building’s value.

Well-maintained properties are far more attractive and will have higher resale value. By staying ahead of regulations such as the 2025 Healthy Homes standards, and using management software to track all activities, the property stands in a good position to meet compliance requirements and have long-term success in the property market.

Anthony Corin and his team specialise in property development and construction using ICFs and operating through a relational contract, open-book system. Shorcom Ltd, 0800 SHORCOM, www.shorcom.co.nz