Healthy Homes Assessment Wainuiomata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Wainuiomata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified to assess both 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out 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 correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Wainuiomata, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Wainuiomata rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Wainuiomata rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Wainuiomata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wainuiomata

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps that 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 heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Wainuiomata

Rental properties in Wainuiomata need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like the heat pump, it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wainuiomata

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent 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 high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Wainuiomata

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes much easier to allow the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wainuiomata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wainuiomata

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Wainuiomata include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wainuiomata for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check in the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house assessment.