Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that 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 are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with 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 an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Newlands, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Newlands rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting 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 draughty house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Newlands

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside and remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Newlands

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task to allow the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Newlands include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over when conducting the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

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