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? The landlords are now required to make sure 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 certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of 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 healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when 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.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Takapuwahia rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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

Begin now by calling about the Takapuwahia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A humid house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Takapuwahia

Takapuwahia rental properties need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it might just need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Takapuwahia

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to allow the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Takapuwahia

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standard in Takapuwahia include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine in a home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.