Healthy Homes Assessment Upper Hutt

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? Landlords must make sure that their Upper Hutt rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that 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 comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Upper Hutt, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Upper Hutt rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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 for Upper Hutt rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Upper Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Upper Hutt

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap, then it is probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

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

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Upper Hutt

Rental properties in Upper Hutt need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Upper Hutt

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Upper Hutt

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy to allow the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies 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 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Upper Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Upper Hutt

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by The Healthy Homes Standard in Upper Hutt include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Upper Hutt for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home assessment.