Healthy Homes Assessment Seatoun

Offering Seatoun landlords and tenants rental homes peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Seatoun rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Seatoun rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Seatoun, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Seatoun rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Seatoun rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Seatoun Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

healthy homes assessment compliance

How Other People Rate Us

This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
When do I require to meet my Healthy Homes Standards?

Seatoun Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies that were signed from 1 July 2019 and 30 , June 20,21

  • Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all Seatoun and New Zealand rental houses where it is reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Intent to Comply Statement An Insulation Statement as well as an Insurance Statement should be included in any renewal, new or varied tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords must keep records of their the compliance with all Healthy Homes Standard that apply or will be applicable during the tenure of an apartment rental.

From 1 July 2021

  • Private landlords and property managers should ensure their rental properties conform according to Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of a new, renewed , or altered Tenancy.
  • All boarding homes (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider boarding home tenancies) are required to comply with Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the date when the tenancy started.

From 1 July 2023

  • All houses rented through Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered are required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy first began.

From July 1st 2024

  • All rentals houses must comply with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of when the tenancy first began.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Seatoun

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A cold house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

draught stopping building inspections
home heating inspections
A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Seatoun

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

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it could require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Seatoun

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

building ventilation inspections
building insulation inspection
A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Seatoun

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task for the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

  • Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 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 - 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.

Seatoun Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

moisture ingress and drainage inspection
rental home assessments
Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Seatoun

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Seatoun include each:

  • Living Room
  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Rooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Seatoun for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in an home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

  • Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
  • Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
  • Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
  • Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
  • Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes 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 the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Seatoun Wellington 6022

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors, we are experts in all elements of expert home inspections. We’re there to ensure you make the best choice when it comes to buying your next home.

We consider your investment to be a serious one and conduct comprehensive inspections so you won’t be faced with any costly or unexpected surprises meaning you are able to relax and focus on the fun parts of buying or owning your own home.

We specialise in a variety of services to ensure that you are fully informed about the condition of any property you could be looking to purchase or sell along with other solutions.

Not only do we cooperate with you, we also work with some major clients, including local councils, banks and insurance companies. Evidently they are pleased with our reassurance provided, thanks to the information provided in our building inspection reports.

We have a systematic method of conducting your house inspection as well as the latest technology in software including digital photos imbedded into the reports, you can actually see any problems that might be found. Through our comprehensive report, it is no wonder we get so many clients recommending our services to their family and friends.

Get in Touch - Get Peace of Mind
Highly Trained & Insured Inspection Experts

Comprehensive House Assessments

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
pre-purchase building inspections

Pre-Purchase Inspection

pre-sale building inspections

Pre-Sale Inspection

healthy home assessment

Healthy Homes Assessment

contact a building inspection company

Request a Quote

Make An Enquiry or

Request a Quote

Fill out the form below to request your no obligation quote or Call Now on (04) 280 6779