Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside 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. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Newlands, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Newlands rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands require a reliable heating source that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should have the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like the heat pump, it may require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Each liveable space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Newlands

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to allow the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs 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 withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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, 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 water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Property rental areas that are affected by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards 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 concerns to look over during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home assessment.