Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified for 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, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Naenae, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Naenae rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in 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 for Naenae rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of your house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the house warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Naenae

Naenae rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Naenae

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Naenae

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to allow the house to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Naenae

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

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during the home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.