Healthy Homes Assessment Takapuwahia

Takapuwahia renters and landlords alike can have their rental homes peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified to evaluate 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Takapuwahia rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Takapuwahia rental properties.

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

healthy homes assessment compliance

How Other People Rate Us

An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
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
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 be in compliance with requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards?

Takapuwahia Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies commenced in the period between July 1st 2019 and the 30th June in 2021

  • The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all Takapuwahia and New Zealand rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Statement of Intent to Comply along with an Insulation Declaration and an Insurance Statement should be included with any new, renewed or varied tenancy agreement.
  • Landlords and property managers must keep records of their conformance with the Healthy Homes Standard that apply or will be in force throughout the tenancy period of an apartment rental.

Beginning 1 July 2021

  • Private landlords and property managers are required to make sure their rental properties comply to the Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new, renewed or varied Tenancy.
  • All the boarding houses (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider Boarding home tenancies) must comply with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the date when the tenancy started.

Starting 1 July 2023

  • All homes that are rented out through Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and registered Community Housing Providers must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date the tenancy was started.

Beginning 1 July 2024

  • All rental houses must comply with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the date when the tenancy started.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A humid home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Takapuwahia

Rental properties in Takapuwahia need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like the heat pump, it may need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Each living space within a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

building ventilation inspections
building insulation inspection
A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Takapuwahia

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy to allow the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

  • Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
  • Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete 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 Takapuwahia

The areas of rental property that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Takapuwahia include each:

  • Living Room
  • Bedroom
  • Dining Rooms
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check in an home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

  • Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
  • Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
  • Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
  • Is there adequate 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 lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Takapuwahia Wellington 5022

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors, we take on all elements of professional home examinations. We are there to ensure that you make the correct choice when it comes to purchasing your next property.

We are serious about your investment, and undertake detailed examinations to make sure that you don’t receive any expensive or unwelcome unpleasant surprises, so you are able to relax and focus on the exciting aspects of buying or owning the house.

We are specialised in a range of solutions to ensure you are fully updated on the condition of any property you could be thinking of buying or selling in addition to other solutions.

Not only do we work with you but we also collaborate with a number of large clients including bank branches, local councils and insurance firms. Evidently , they are pleased with our reassurance provided, thanks to the information that we provide in our reports of building inspections.

Our systematic approach to your inspection of your home and the latest software technology that incorporates digital images into the Report, you can actually see any issues that may be identified. Through our comprehensive report, it’s no wonder that we receive so many clients who recommend our service to family members and acquaintances.

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Comprehensive House Reports

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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