Healthy Homes Assessment Waiwhetu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Waiwhetu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in 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’re completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to evaluate 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 tenancy is signed on a Waiwhetu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Waiwhetu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Waiwhetu, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Waiwhetu rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Waiwhetu rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Waiwhetu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waiwhetu

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into the house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the household is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Waiwhetu

Rental properties in Waiwhetu require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waiwhetu

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

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

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Waiwhetu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and it will make much easier to allow the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Waiwhetu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with 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 making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waiwhetu

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Waiwhetu include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waiwhetu for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property house evaluation.