Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Naenae, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Naenae rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Naenae rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Naenae Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from the house require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the building when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Naenae

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

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it must include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like the heat pump, it could need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Naenae

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Naenae

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to allow the home to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Naenae

The areas of rental property that are affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Naenae include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.