Healthy Homes Assessment Normandale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Normandale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified 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 brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for 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 necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Normandale, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Normandale rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Normandale rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Normandale

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out into the home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy homes

Heating Normandale

Normandale rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it might need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Normandale

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding how dried air can be less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

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

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Normandale

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to allow the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Normandale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Normandale

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by the Healthy Homes Standards in Normandale include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Normandale for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.