Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Waitangirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the information 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 any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Waitangirua rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Waitangirua rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Waitangirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Waitangirua

Rental properties in Waitangirua require a reliable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might just require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waitangirua

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Waitangirua

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make more easy for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of 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 standard.

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full 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 to the Healthy Homes Standard in Waitangirua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

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

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.