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 July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st 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 to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified to assess each of 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 tenancy is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 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 meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Naenae, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Naenae rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also secured 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, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for 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 dropping temperatures within houses. A cold house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Naenae

Rental properties in Naenae should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Naenae

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and that a property that is well 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 like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Naenae

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to allow the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of 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 by the Healthy Homes Standards in Naenae include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over when conducting a home 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 insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.