Healthy Homes Assessment Tawa

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? Landlords now have to make sure their Tawa 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 certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified for 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, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Tawa, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Tawa rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Tawa rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tawa

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into your home require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Tawa

Tawa rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Tawa

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living 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 Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Tawa

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make more easy for the household to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Tawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tawa

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tawa for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for during an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house assessment.