Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Horokiwi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be done, and offer the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet 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 make arrangements to have an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported 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 Horokiwi rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Horokiwi rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Horokiwi Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Horokiwi

Horokiwi rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Horokiwi

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and are not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

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 need adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Horokiwi

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make much easier to allow the house to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

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

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

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house assessment.