Healthy Homes Assessment Ngaio

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Ngaio rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Ngaio rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Ngaio rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Ngaio, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Ngaio rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Ngaio rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Ngaio Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ngaio

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an 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 far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Ngaio

Rental properties in Ngaio need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Ngaio

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Ngaio

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier for the household to retain the heat.

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

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

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

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

Ngaio Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ngaio

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Ngaio include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ngaio for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.