Healthy Homes Assessment Totara Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Totara Park 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 completely 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 to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess each of 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 new or renewed contract is signed on a Totara Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Totara Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Totara Park, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Totara Park rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Totara Park rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Totara Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Totara Park

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Totara Park

Rental properties in Totara Park need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Totara Park

Every living space of a rental home must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Totara Park

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier for the household to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Totara Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Totara Park

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standard in Totara Park include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Totara Park for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over during an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation 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 house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

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