Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea 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 must be completely certified 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 determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified to evaluate 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, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

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

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Newlands, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Newlands rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Newlands

Newlands rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Newlands

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making it easier to the house to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

The areas of rental property that are affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Newlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor 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?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.