Healthy Homes Assessment Rongotai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Rongotai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Rongotai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting 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 requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Rongotai, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Rongotai rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Rongotai rental properties.

Start now and call about the Rongotai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Rongotai

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy homes

Heating Rongotai

Rental properties in Rongotai require a reliable heating source that can heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger 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 small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Rongotai

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Rongotai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy for the house to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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 quality.

Rongotai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Rongotai

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Rongotai include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Rongotai for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for in the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties home evaluation.