Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Naenae, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Naenae rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Naenae rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Naenae

Naenae rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can warm the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Naenae

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is much easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs at least open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Naenae

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to allow the house to keep heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Naenae

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Naenae include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house assessment.