More than half of landlords in New Zealand have done nothing to prepare for the introduction of new healthy home legislation.

In the latest 'HRV State of the Home' report, a majority of tenants said landlords were yet to improve insulation and heating.

The Healthy Homes Bill, passed in December 2017, will provide standards for minimum heating and insulation.

Those standards are yet to be worked out, but landlords have an existing deadline to have floor and ceiling insulation done by July 1, 2019.

Sociology Professor Charles Crothers says it's a case of out of sight, out of mind.

"Many landlords don't particularly think about it and don't really have a long term investment strategy in their properties. It just happens [and] the rent rolls in," he said.

Dr Crothers said tenants are often forced to move out of homes, which is incredibly disruptive for families.

"What a whack it does to families to have to move, especially if they've got kids who might have to shift schools, there's always all of those expenses with moving, with finding a house," he said.

Newshub.