Healthy Homes Assessment Titahi Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Titahi Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Titahi Bay, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Titahi Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Titahi Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Titahi Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out from the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Titahi Bay

Rental properties in Titahi Bay require a reliable heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices 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 may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Titahi Bay

Each liveable space in a rental house must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Titahi Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making much easier for the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Titahi Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor 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 Titahi Bay

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Titahi Bay include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Titahi Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for in a house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.