Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Horokiwi 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 certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could 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 signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Horokiwi rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Horokiwi rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Horokiwi Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building when the house heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Horokiwi

Rental properties in Horokiwi need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Horokiwi

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier for the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand 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 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during the home review to determine if your rental property meets 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 need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.