Healthy Homes Assessment Waterloo

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Waterloo rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant 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 to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Waterloo, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the quality of Waterloo rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Waterloo rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Waterloo Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waterloo

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Waterloo

Rental properties in Waterloo must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump it must have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it may need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waterloo

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Waterloo

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to allow the home to hold heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Waterloo Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home 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 surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waterloo

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Waterloo include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waterloo for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.