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 renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in 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 standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be completed and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Heretaunga 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 within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation 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 property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also important to note that landlords with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Heretaunga, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Heretaunga rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Heretaunga rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Heretaunga

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A damp home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into your home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Heretaunga

Heretaunga rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Heretaunga

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dried air can be easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough 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 comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Heretaunga

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and it will make it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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.

Heretaunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Heretaunga

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Heretaunga include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Heretaunga for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have 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 the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.