Healthy Homes Assessment Tawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Tawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified to evaluate 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, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

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

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Tawa, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Tawa rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Tawa rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Tawa Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tawa

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from your home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Tawa

Rental properties in Tawa must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it may require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Tawa

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Tawa

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes much easier for the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Tawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tawa

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Tawa include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tawa for Rental Properties

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

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties house evaluation.