Healthy Homes Assessment Taita

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Taita rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re 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

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Taita rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Taita rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an home assessment performed for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Taita, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the quality of Taita rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Taita rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Taita Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Taita

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Taita

Rental properties in Taita 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 space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Taita

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Taita

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to allow the house to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Taita Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Taita

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Taita include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Taita for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.