Healthy Homes Assessment Aotea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request an home assessment done on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Aotea, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the quality of Aotea rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

Contact us now to discuss having a Aotea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aotea

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Aotea

Aotea rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it needs to have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aotea

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Aotea

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Aotea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aotea

The areas of rental property that are affected to The Healthy Homes Standards in Aotea include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aotea for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for during the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property house evaluation.