Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully 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 check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be completed and provide a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Newlands 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 by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. 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 as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Newlands, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on Newlands rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Newlands

Newlands rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, 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 as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it could require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air will be much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Newlands

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to the 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 well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy to the household to retain the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Newlands include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation 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 have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home evaluation.