Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must 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 can evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a home 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?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Newlands, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Newlands rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Newlands rental properties.

Start now and call about the Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A humid home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from your house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building as the house is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Newlands

Newlands rental properties require a reliable heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

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 for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Newlands

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standards in Newlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for during a house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.