Healthy Homes Assessment Aotea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Aotea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Aotea, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Aotea rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Aotea rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Aotea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aotea

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Aotea

Rental properties in Aotea need to have a stable heating source that can heat the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it might just require an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Aotea

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Aotea

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy for the home to retain heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Aotea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aotea

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standards in Aotea include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aotea for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for during a home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.