Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Horokiwi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties and are fully qualified to evaluate 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 on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house assessment performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Horokiwi rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will test all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Horokiwi

Rental properties in Horokiwi should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Horokiwi

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to the home to retain heat.

Insulation needs 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 the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

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

See the full details of this 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 with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.