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? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Normandale 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 compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Normandale, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Normandale rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less 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, and Draught Stopping in Normandale rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Normandale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Normandale

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Normandale

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

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must include the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it may need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Normandale

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Normandale

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to the household to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Normandale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Normandale

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Normandale include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Normandale for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.