Healthy Homes Assessment Takapuwahia

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 now have to ensure their Takapuwahia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Takapuwahia rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Takapuwahia rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Takapuwahia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Takapuwahia

Rental properties in Takapuwahia must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, and stay closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Takapuwahia

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task to allow the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor 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

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Takapuwahia include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check in a house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to book your rental properties home assessment.