Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Waitangirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Waitangirua rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Waitangirua rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Waitangirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Waitangirua

Rental properties in Waitangirua must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should have an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it could need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waitangirua

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dried air can be more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Waitangirua

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make more easy to the home to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waitangirua

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Waitangirua include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over in the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.