Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be completed and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified for 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of 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 pocket hard, with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Naenae, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Naenae rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Naenae rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Naenae Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within the home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Naenae

Naenae rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it could require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Naenae

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Naenae

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making much easier to allow the household to retain the heat.

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

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

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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Naenae

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Naenae include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

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