Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to note that landlords with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Newlands, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be safeguarded 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, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Newlands rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the building as the household warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must have an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it may need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air will be less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Newlands

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier to the home to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• 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 underfloor 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

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Newlands include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.