Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Horokiwi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

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

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given 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 hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Horokiwi rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Horokiwi rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A humid home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Horokiwi

Horokiwi rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18degC 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 source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Horokiwi

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier to the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present 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 The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.