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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Newtown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 will evaluate your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks that needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified to assess both 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 Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to be aware that landlords who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Newtown, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Newtown rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Newtown rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newtown

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being homes

Heating Newtown

Rental properties in Newtown should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to include an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it could need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Newtown

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Newtown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making it easier to the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Newtown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newtown

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Newtown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newtown for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.