The Housing Minister says it's extremely unlikely new rules forcing landlords to install heating will affect rental prices.

While Phil Twyford says work's being done to make it compulsory, landlords have raised concerns about the cost.

They say the expense would most likely translate into higher rents.

Twyford denies it'll be an issue.

"Landlords all the time have to invest in the maintenance and upgrading of properties. Every 20- 30 years you need to put a new roof on a house."

"A relatively small expense of a few thousand dollars for heating or insulation i'm sure most landlords will factor that into their business."

The Minister says a consultation process on the proposal should begin later this year. installations