Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be completed and offer the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified to assess 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, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Naenae, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Naenae rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means 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, and Draught-stopping for Naenae rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Naenae Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Naenae

Rental properties in Naenae need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Naenae

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Naenae

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to allow the household to keep warmth.

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 more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps 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

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. 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 a myriad of things to be able to examine in an home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.