Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must 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 evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done, and offer the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

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

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Naenae, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the standard of Naenae rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

Get started now and contact us about the Naenae Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Naenae

Naenae rental properties should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Naenae

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Naenae

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task for the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Naenae

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Naenae include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are many things to check in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.