Healthy Homes Assessment Aotea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Aotea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which 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 correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Aotea, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Aotea rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Begin now by calling about the Aotea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aotea

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Aotea

Rental properties in Aotea must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it could need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aotea

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Aotea

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier to allow the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of 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 the entire 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

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

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

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aotea

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Aotea include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aotea for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during an house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.