Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Horokiwi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

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

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Horokiwi rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Horokiwi rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Horokiwi Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from your home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Horokiwi

Horokiwi rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Horokiwi

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Horokiwi

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the home to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over during a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.