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 in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Te Aro rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 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 and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’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 found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully certified 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 brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is 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, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Te Aro, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Te Aro rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping on Te Aro rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Te Aro Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A cold house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Te Aro

Rental properties in Te Aro need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Aro

Every living space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Te Aro

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier for the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Te Aro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

Property rental areas that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Te Aro include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.