Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Horokiwi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors for 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, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Horokiwi rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means 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, and Draught stopping in Horokiwi rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Horokiwi

Rental properties in Horokiwi should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to include a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Horokiwi

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere 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. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full 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 required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house assessment.