Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done and offer a report with 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 landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Newlands, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Newlands rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands need to have a stable heating source that can heat the living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might just need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Newlands

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier for the household to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with 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 resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standard in Newlands include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.