Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Waitangirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Waitangirua rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Waitangirua rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of your house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Waitangirua

Rental properties in Waitangirua must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

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

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waitangirua

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Waitangirua

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of 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 with the Healthy Homes Standards in Waitangirua include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine in a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental properties home assessment.