Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of 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 healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified to evaluate both 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Newlands, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Newlands rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Newlands rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A damp home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

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

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Newlands

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task for the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is 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 from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standard in Newlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for in the house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.