Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified for both 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information 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 necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Newlands, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Newlands rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Newlands rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Newlands

Newlands rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can heat the living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat, and that 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 liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Newlands

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to allow the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Newlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over in a house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.