Healthy Homes Assessment Newtown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Newtown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully qualified for 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Newtown, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Newtown rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Newtown rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Newtown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newtown

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from the home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Newtown

Newtown rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newtown

Every living space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Newtown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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 standard.

Newtown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newtown

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Newtown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newtown for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over during the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.