Healthy Homes Assessment Ngaio

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure 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 in compliance by July 1st 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 check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide a report with all the information needed 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 violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully qualified for 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 items must be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Ngaio rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Ngaio, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Ngaio rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Ngaio rental properties.

Start now and call about the Ngaio Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ngaio

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of the home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Ngaio

Rental properties in Ngaio should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it could need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ngaio

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Ngaio

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task for the household to retain 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 is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Ngaio 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 it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent 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 Ngaio

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Ngaio include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ngaio for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for when conducting an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.