Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Te Aro rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 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 determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in huge 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 make arrangements to have a house assessment performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Te Aro, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the quality of Te Aro rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

Start now and call about the Te Aro Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

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’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Te Aro

Rental properties in Te Aro require a reliable source of heating that can heat the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Aro

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. This 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.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Te Aro

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Te Aro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

The areas of rental property that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Te Aro include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.