Healthy Homes Assessment Rongotai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Rongotai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for 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 who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Rongotai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Rongotai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Rongotai, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Rongotai rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

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 within Rongotai rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Rongotai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Rongotai

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the home warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Rongotai

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

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Rongotai

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air will be more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Rongotai

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy for the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Rongotai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Rongotai

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Rongotai include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Rongotai for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over during an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.