Healthy Homes Assessment Ngaio

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Ngaio rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified to evaluate each of 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Ngaio rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person 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 Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Ngaio, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Ngaio rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Ngaio rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ngaio

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

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

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Ngaio

Rental properties in Ngaio must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must have a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ngaio

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Ngaio

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to the home to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Ngaio Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ngaio

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Ngaio include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ngaio for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.