Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro

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 Te Aro 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 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 evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Te Aro, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Te Aro rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

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 within Te Aro rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Te Aro Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Te Aro

Te Aro rental properties should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Te Aro

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Te Aro

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Te Aro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.