Proper bathroom ventilation is a vital component of maintaining a healthy home environment, preventing moisture build-up, mould growth, and structural damage. At Panda Solutions, we specialise in delivering compliant, high-quality installations that ensure both comfort and legal adherence. Here’s what you need to know about bathroom ventilation requirements in New Zealand.

1. Building Code Requirements – Clause G4

The New Zealand Building Code (Clause G4) mandates that ventilation must adequately supply fresh outdoor air and effectively remove moisture, odours, and other contaminants from spaces such as bathrooms. Natural ventilation, like windows, is acceptable but often insufficient on its own.

2. Healthy Homes Standards – Mandatory for Rentals

Under the Healthy Homes Standards, bathrooms must either have

  • an extractor fan (intermittent or continuous) that vents to the outside
     • a continuous mechanical ventilation system meeting specific flow requirements

From 1 July 2025, all private rental properties must meet these standards without exception.

3. Required Performance Specifications

Extractor Fans (Installed after 1 July 2019)
 • Must vent externally
 • Require ducting and a fan with at least a 120 mm diameter
 • Deliver an extraction capacity of 25 litres per second (L/s) or more

Continuous Mechanical Ventilation
 • Must extract directly from the bathroom and vent outside
 • Must operate at a minimum of 10 L/s

Note: Recirculating systems like HRVs and DVS do not meet the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

4. Why Installing to Spec Matters

While 25 L/s is the legal minimum, it may not be sufficient to handle real-world humidity and condensation. For example, in a 13 m³ bathroom, industry best practice suggests fans rated closer to 54 L/s (15 ACH) for effective moisture control.

5. Our Bathroom Extractor Fan Services

At Panda Solutions, we offer professional installation of high-performance bathroom extractor fans that are

  • Fully compliant with the Healthy Homes Standards and NZ Building Code
     • Externally ducted to prevent internal moisture build-up
     • Sized for performance, not just legal minimums
     • Installed by qualified electricians and ventilation specialists

We’ll assess your property, recommend the right solution for your bathroom size, and complete the installation to a high professional standard with minimal disruption.

Whether you’re preparing a rental for compliance or upgrading an owner-occupied property, we deliver fast, affordable, and effective results across Auckland.

6. The Panda Solutions Approach

Our team ensures

  • Proper ventilation sizing and placement
  • Full regulatory compliance
  • Effective moisture extraction to protect both tenants and the property itself
  • Clean, tidy workmanship with trusted customer service

Bathroom ventilation isn’t just about ticking a compliance box. It’s about protecting your investment and providing a healthier environment. Let Panda Solutions handle the hard work with fully certified, professionally installed solutions that perform day after day.

Need help meeting ventilation standards before the 1 July 2025 deadline?