Healthy Homes Assessment Hongoeka

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 are now required to ensure that their Hongoeka rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be completed and provide a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Hongoeka rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Hongoeka rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Hongoeka, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Hongoeka rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Hongoeka rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hongoeka

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into the home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Hongoeka

Hongoeka rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 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 well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to have an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Hongoeka

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window 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, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Hongoeka

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to allow the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Hongoeka Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hongoeka

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Hongoeka include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hongoeka for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home assessment.