Healthy Homes Assessment Epuni

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Epuni rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant 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 to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’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 any landlord who is found to be 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 property, as well as fully qualified to evaluate 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Epuni rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Epuni rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Epuni, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Epuni rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Epuni rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Epuni Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Epuni

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the home warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Epuni

Epuni rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Epuni

Every living space of a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air is much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Epuni

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to allow the household to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• 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.

Epuni Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Epuni

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Epuni include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Epuni for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.