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 July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Tawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be done and provide the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified for both 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Tawa, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Tawa rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in 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 lower temperatures in houses. A humid home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of your home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the home heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Tawa

Tawa rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to have the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Tawa

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Tawa

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to allow the household to retain the heat.

Insulation needs 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 resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Tawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tawa

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Tawa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tawa for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for when conducting an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.