Healthy Homes Assessment Aotea

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 now have to make sure that their Aotea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach 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 healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for an Aotea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Aotea, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Aotea rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Aotea rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aotea

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A damp home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Aotea

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

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to include an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Aotea

Every living space in a rental house must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Aotea

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for 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 and underfloor R 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Aotea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aotea

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with the Healthy Homes Standards in Aotea include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aotea for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.