Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

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? Landlords now have to ensure their Newlands 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 fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work required. requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Newlands, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Newlands rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping for Newlands rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding how dried air can be less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Newlands

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to allow the household 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 the insulation resists 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 of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Newlands include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine when conducting a house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.