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 of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Tawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to 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 evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Tawa, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the quality of Tawa rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as 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 are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Tawa

Rental properties in Tawa require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might just require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Tawa

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air is less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs at least open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outdoors. The 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.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Tawa

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make more easy to allow the home to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with 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 greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Tawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tawa

Property rental areas that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Tawa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tawa for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over during the home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.