Healthy Homes Assessment Titahi Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Titahi Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Titahi Bay, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Titahi Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Titahi Bay rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Titahi Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Titahi Bay

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A damp house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into your house need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Titahi Bay

Rental properties in Titahi Bay must have a fixed heating source that can heat the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might just require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Titahi Bay

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Titahi Bay

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and it will make it easier to allow the house to keep the heat.

Insulation needs 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 can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Titahi Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper 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 a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Titahi Bay

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Titahi Bay include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Titahi Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.