Healthy Homes Assessment Aotea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered by 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 standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to note that landlords who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Aotea, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Aotea rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Aotea rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Aotea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aotea

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Aotea

Rental properties in Aotea should have a permanent heating source that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should include the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aotea

Each liveable space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Aotea

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make more easy to allow the house to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

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

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

Aotea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aotea

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Aotea include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aotea for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.