Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Te Aro rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could 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 up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Te Aro, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Te Aro rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Te Aro rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Te Aro Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building when the home warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Te Aro

Te Aro rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Aro

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs at least open to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Te Aro

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to allow the household to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Te Aro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part 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 the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Te Aro include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.