Healthy Homes Assessment Epuni

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Epuni rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be done, and offer 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 under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Epuni rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Epuni rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

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

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Epuni rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping in Epuni rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Epuni Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Epuni

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid home costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

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 or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building when the home heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Epuni

Epuni rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Epuni

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Epuni

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Epuni Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Epuni

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Epuni include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Epuni for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.