Healthy Homes Assessment Newtown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Newtown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Newtown, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Newtown rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Newtown rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Newtown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newtown

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Newtown

Rental properties in Newtown need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should have a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Newtown

Every living space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising how dried air can be much easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Newtown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Newtown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps 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 Newtown

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Newtown include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newtown for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check in the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.