Healthy Homes Assessment Takapuwahia

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Takapuwahia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be done and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified to evaluate 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct 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

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Takapuwahia rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Takapuwahia rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Takapuwahia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into the house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Takapuwahia

Takapuwahia rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should include a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it could require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Every living space in a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that dried air can be more easy to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Takapuwahia

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes much easier to the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and 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

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

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is a 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 surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Takapuwahia

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.