Healthy Homes Assessment Normandale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that 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 the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to assess 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and 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 tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Normandale, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Normandale rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance 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 on Normandale rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Normandale

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of your house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Normandale

Rental properties in Normandale must have a fixed source of heating 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 recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Normandale

Each liveable space in a rental home must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Normandale

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to allow the house to keep the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Normandale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Normandale

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Normandale include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Normandale for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over when conducting a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.