Healthy Homes Assessment Hataitai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Hataitai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 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 is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified for 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, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Hataitai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Hataitai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Hataitai, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Hataitai rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Hataitai rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Hataitai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hataitai

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A damp house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building when the house warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Hataitai

Rental properties in Hataitai should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest 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 wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 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 sufficient or whether you will 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 acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Hataitai

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Hataitai

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes more easy to the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist 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 remainder 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Hataitai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect 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 ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hataitai

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Hataitai include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hataitai for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine in a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.