Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The 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 certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a 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 comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to note that landlords who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house 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 important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Te Aro, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Te Aro rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs over 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 Draught-stopping within Te Aro rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Te Aro

Rental properties in Te Aro require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Te Aro

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dried air can be less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Te Aro

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes more easy for the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Te Aro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Te Aro include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property house assessment.