Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know 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 new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified for 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Horokiwi rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Horokiwi rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A draughty home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out from your house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Horokiwi

Rental properties in Horokiwi should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air will be easier to heat, and that the property that is properly 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 are not considered liveable and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Horokiwi

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making much easier to allow the house to hold warmth.

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

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

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

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for in the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home assessment.