Healthy Homes Assessment Heretaunga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Heretaunga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully 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 evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to evaluate 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Heretaunga, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Heretaunga rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Heretaunga rental properties.

Start now and call about the Heretaunga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Heretaunga

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your house need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Heretaunga

Heretaunga rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Heretaunga

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air will be easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Heretaunga

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy to allow the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Heretaunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Heretaunga

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Heretaunga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Heretaunga for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.