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 of July 2021? Landlords now have 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 rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas 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 requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to note that landlords with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Newlands, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Newlands rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within 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 may lead to low temperatures inside households. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your house require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Newlands

Newlands rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the living room to at least 18degC, 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 health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued 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 pump), it should have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source, like an air conditioner, it could require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising how dried air can be more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Newlands

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task for the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

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 about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standard in Newlands include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for during the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental property house assessment.