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 are now required to make sure that their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a 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 your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified for 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, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental 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 are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs 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 as Draught Stopping in Newlands rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Newlands

Newlands rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Newlands

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, but remain closed to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Newlands

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to the home to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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 quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about 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 Standards in Newlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house evaluation.