Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Waitangirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and 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 the tasks that needs to be done, and provide the report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully certified 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, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords who manage several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Waitangirua rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on Waitangirua rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Waitangirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will examine every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Waitangirua

Rental properties in Waitangirua need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waitangirua

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air will be easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Waitangirua

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to allow the house to keep heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waitangirua

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standard in Waitangirua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for in an home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental properties house evaluation.