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? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Heretaunga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to 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 evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified to evaluate both 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house inspection 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?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Heretaunga, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Heretaunga rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Heretaunga rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Heretaunga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Heretaunga

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into your home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Heretaunga

Rental properties in Heretaunga should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Heretaunga

Every living space of a rental house must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Heretaunga

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy for the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Heretaunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Heretaunga

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Heretaunga for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.