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 are now required to ensure their Newtown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks 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 in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified to assess 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed 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. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Newtown, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Newtown rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

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 for Newtown rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Newtown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newtown

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being homes

Heating Newtown

Rental properties in Newtown require a reliable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it could need a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newtown

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Newtown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make much easier to the household to retain heat.

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

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

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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Newtown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newtown

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standard in Newtown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newtown for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.