Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure 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 rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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 assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified to assess 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property, so 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 correct before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Te Aro, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Te Aro rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Te Aro rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Te Aro Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A cold home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine the windows and doors in an 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 healthy homes

Heating Te Aro

Te Aro rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed 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 portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should include the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Te Aro

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

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

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

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient 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 standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Te Aro

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task for the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Te Aro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring 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 through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Te Aro include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over when conducting an house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.