Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Naenae 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 subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully certified to assess 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Naenae, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Naenae rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Naenae rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap, then it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into your house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Naenae

Naenae rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it could require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Naenae

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dried air can be much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Naenae

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes much easier to the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect 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 the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Naenae

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Naenae include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in a 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 protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.