Healthy Homes Assessment Heretaunga

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 are now required to make sure their Heretaunga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be completed and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised 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 are related to the house they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Heretaunga, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Heretaunga rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Heretaunga rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Heretaunga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Heretaunga

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be 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 getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Heretaunga

Rental properties in Heretaunga must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat 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 for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate 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 to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like an air conditioner, it might require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Heretaunga

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Heretaunga

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make more easy to the house to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Heretaunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Heretaunga

Rental property areas affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Heretaunga include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Heretaunga for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in an house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house assessment.