Healthy Homes Assessment Takapuwahia

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Takapuwahia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be done and provide the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details 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 supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and arrange to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Takapuwahia rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will check all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Takapuwahia

Rental properties in Takapuwahia require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it could require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Takapuwahia

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making more easy to the house to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of The 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 Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.