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 July 2021? Landlords must 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 compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate both 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Horokiwi rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps 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 from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within your house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Horokiwi

Rental properties in Horokiwi must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it may need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Horokiwi

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make more easy for the household to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

The areas of rental property that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.