Healthy Homes Assessment Ngauranga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Ngauranga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be done and offer the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Ngauranga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Ngauranga 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 period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Ngauranga, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Ngauranga rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded 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 requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Ngauranga rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Ngauranga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ngauranga

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will check the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Ngauranga

Ngauranga rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ngauranga

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air will be more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable 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 a healthy home

Insulation Ngauranga

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making it easier for the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Ngauranga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected 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 inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ngauranga

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ngauranga for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.