Healthy Homes Assessment Upper Hutt

Offering Upper Hutt landlords and tenants rental property peace of mind
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 are now required to ensure their Upper Hutt rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under 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 healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Upper Hutt, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Upper Hutt rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Upper Hutt rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Upper Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

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How Other People Rate Us

An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
When Do I need to be in compliance with requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards?

Upper Hutt Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies commenced from 1 July 2019 to the 30th June in 2021

  • The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all Upper Hutt and New Zealand rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Statement of Intent to Comply as well as an Insulation Statement, and an Insurance Statement should be included in any renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords must keep records of their conformance with each Healthy Homes Standards that apply or will be in force throughout the tenancy period of their rental properties.

From 1 July 2021

  • Property managers and private landlords have to ensure their rental properties comply to the Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of any renewal, new or a change in tenancy.
  • All boarder houses (except Kainga Ora and Community Housing Providers with registered boarder household tenancies) must meet the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy began.

Beginning 1 July 2023

  • All houses rented to Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered are required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date the tenancy was started.

Starting 1 July 2024

  • All rentals houses must be in compliance with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the date when the tenancy started.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Upper Hutt

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Upper Hutt

Upper Hutt rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended 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) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Upper Hutt

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

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

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

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A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Upper Hutt

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to allow the household to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

  • Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 2 – all area 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 quality.

Upper Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

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Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Upper Hutt

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Upper Hutt include each:

  • Living Room
  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Rooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Upper Hutt for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

  • Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
  • Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
  • Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
  • Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
  • Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.

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Healthy Homes Assessment Upper Hutt Wellington 5018

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors, we deal with all the aspects associated with specialist home examinations. We are there to ensure you make the best choice when it comes to purchasing your next property.

We value your money We conduct detailed checks to make sure you don’t encounter any unpleasant or costly unpleasant surprises, so you are able to relax and focus on the fun parts of owning or purchasing an house.

We specialise in a variety of solutions to ensure you are completely informed of the condition of any property that you might be thinking of buying or selling along with other services.

We not only work with you but we also collaborate with a number of important clients such as municipal councils and banks, and insurance companies. Evidently they appreciate the peace of mind provided, because of the information contained provided in our building inspection reports.

Our systematic approach to your inspection of your home as well as the latest technology in software with digital photos embedded into your Report, you are able to actually see any issues identified. Through our comprehensive report, it’s no wonder we receive so many clients who recommend our service to family members and friends.

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Comprehensive Building Inspections

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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