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 must make sure their Aotea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties and are completely qualified to evaluate both 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, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Aotea, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Aotea rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Aotea rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aotea

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of your home require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Aotea

Rental properties in Aotea must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Aotea

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Aotea

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well 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 remainder 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Aotea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aotea

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aotea for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check when conducting an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.