Healthy Homes Assessment Taita

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Taita rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to assess 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, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Taita rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious 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 pocket hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Taita, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Taita rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

Get started now and contact us about the Taita Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Taita

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A humid house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Taita

Rental properties in Taita should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to have an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Taita

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that 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. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Taita

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier to allow the household to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Taita Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Taita

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Taita include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Taita for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.