Healthy Homes Assessment Tawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Tawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done, and offer the report with all the details required 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 breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for 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 the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Tawa, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Tawa rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tawa

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Tawa

Rental properties in Tawa should have a permanent heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. 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 for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it could need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Tawa

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Tawa

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier to allow the home to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Tawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor 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 Tawa

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Tawa include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tawa for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during an home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property house assessment.