Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for 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 any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

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

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Newlands, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Newlands rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A cold home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the house require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Newlands

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

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current permanent 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 portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight needs at least to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Newlands

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task to allow the house to keep the heat.

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

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

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor 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 Newlands

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.