Healthy Homes Assessment Hataitai

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 must ensure that their Hataitai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely certified 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Hataitai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Hataitai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the one 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 property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Hataitai, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Hataitai rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Hataitai rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hataitai

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will check all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Hataitai

Rental properties in Hataitai must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, 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 requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Hataitai

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dried air can be much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Hataitai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Hataitai 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 to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

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
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hataitai for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.