Healthy Homes Assessment Normandale

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? Landlords must make sure their Normandale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are 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 requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be completed and provide a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Normandale, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Normandale rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Normandale rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Normandale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Normandale

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building when the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Normandale

Rental properties in Normandale should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, 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 heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Normandale

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Normandale

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and it will make an easier task for the home to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Normandale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing 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 Normandale

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Normandale include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Normandale for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine in a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home evaluation.