Healthy Homes Assessment Taita

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? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Taita rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 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 to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be completed and provide a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Taita rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Taita rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Taita, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Taita rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Taita rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Taita

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A humid home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Taita

Taita rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Taita

Every living space of a rental home must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Taita

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for 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 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Taita Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor 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

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Taita include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Taita for Rental Properties

There are many things to check during an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.