Healthy Homes Assessment Taita

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? 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 rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully certified to evaluate 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Taita rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Taita rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Taita, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Taita rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Taita rental properties.

Start now and call about the Taita Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Taita

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

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building as the home heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Taita

Rental properties in Taita should have a permanent heating source that can heat the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Taita

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Taita

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. 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 property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make much easier to allow the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Taita Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the 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

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Taita include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Taita for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.