Simpler accommodation standards coming for RSE employers

Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) accommodation standards are being simplified to give employers clearer, more flexible requirements while continuing to protect the wellbeing of RSE workers.

Next year, 47 existing accommodation standards will be replaced with 15 core standards, making requirements clearer to understand, easier to administer, and reducing duplication with New Zealand housing and building requirements.

RSE employers will continue to be responsible for providing suitable accommodation for their workers. Accommodation must be clean, dry, hygienic, safe and functional, with appropriate facilities for the number of workers staying there.

The new standards are expected to take effect in the second half of 2027, alongside wider changes to RSE compliance settings.

There will be a transition period to give employers time to prepare, particularly for changes relating to Healthy Homes Standards and bedroom occupancy. Further guidance will be provided ahead of implementation.

What is changing

The following is a summary of the changes to the standards.

Building, council and fire safety requirements

Employers will need to confirm their accommodation meets relevant building, council and fire safety requirements. The requirements will depend on the type, location and classification of the accommodation.

Healthy Homes Standards

Accommodation will need to meet the Healthy Homes Standards as far as practicable, including requirements covering heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, drainage and draught stopping.

Bedroom space

Bedroom space requirements will change. Bedrooms will need at least:

• 6 m² for 1 person
• 10 m² for 2 people
• 14 m² for 3 people
• 20 m² for 4 people.

Each additional person will require another 5 m².

Worker protections that will continue

The following worker protections will continue.

• Workers sharing a bedroom must have their own bed. People sharing a room must be the same gender unless they agree otherwise. Bedrooms must also have suitable bedding, window coverings and secure storage.
• Accommodation must have enough facilities for the number of workers staying there. This includes cooking, refrigeration, food storage, dining and living facilities, toilets, showers, handwashing, water and laundry facilities. Communal areas cannot be used as bedrooms.
• Privacy requirements will apply to shared bathroom facilities.
• All RSE accommodation must also be smoke-free.

Employing workers through the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme