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 a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must 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 your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of 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.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Aotea, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Aotea rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control for Aotea rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aotea

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from the home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being homes

Heating Aotea

Rental properties in Aotea should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it could require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Aotea

Every living space of the rental property should include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air is more easy 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 rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Aotea

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to allow the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Aotea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing 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

The areas of rental property that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Aotea include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aotea for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over in an home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

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