Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties and are fully qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on 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 within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Newlands, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Newlands rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Newlands rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the 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 as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it may need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Newlands

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Newlands

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Rental property areas affected to 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 concerns to be able to examine when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.