Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified to evaluate each of 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 Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Naenae, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Naenae rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well 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 increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building when the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Naenae

Naenae rental properties should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it might just need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Naenae

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dried air can be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Naenae

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to allow the house to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

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

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Naenae

Property rental areas that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Naenae include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.