Healthy Homes Assessment Aotea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully certified for 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is important to note that landlords who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Aotea, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Aotea rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Aotea rental properties.

Start now and call about the Aotea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aotea

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Aotea

Rental properties in Aotea should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Aotea

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Aotea

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to allow the house to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Aotea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The 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 Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Aotea include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aotea for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home evaluation.