Healthy Homes Assessment Takapuwahia

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Takapuwahia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified to assess each of 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing 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 current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Takapuwahia rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out of your house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Takapuwahia

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

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to include an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Each liveable space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be much easier 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. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Takapuwahia

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making more easy to allow the home to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Takapuwahia

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for during a house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental properties home assessment.