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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to evaluate both 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Newlands, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Newlands rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Newlands rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building when the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Newlands

Newlands rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it may require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Newlands

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to allow the house to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about 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 to The Healthy Homes Standards in Newlands include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.