Healthy Homes Assessment Heretaunga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure their Heretaunga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 will evaluate 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 any work which requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for 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 found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Heretaunga, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Heretaunga rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Heretaunga rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Heretaunga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Heretaunga

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A humid house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Heretaunga

Rental properties in Heretaunga must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it could need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Heretaunga

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight needs at least to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Heretaunga

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to the household to hold heat.

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 the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

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

Heretaunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Heretaunga

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

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Heretaunga for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for during an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.