Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro

Te Aro tenants and landlords can get their rental properties peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Te Aro rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information 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 under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
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 Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Te Aro, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Te Aro rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Start now and call about getting a Te Aro Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

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How Other People Rate Us

An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
What time do I require to meet the Healthy Homes Standards?

Te Aro Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies signed beginning on 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021

  • The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory throughout Te Aro and New Zealand rental homes where it’s reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Statement of Intent to Comply, an Insulation Statement and an Insurance Statement should be included in any renewed, new or altered tenancy contract.
  • Property managers and landlords have to keep records that prove the compliance with all Healthy Homes Standard that apply or will be in force during the tenure of your rental home.

From July 1st 2021

  • Property managers and private landlords should ensure that their rental properties are in compliance in accordance with Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal, new or a change in lease.
  • All the boarding households (except Kainga Ora and Community Housing Providers with registered Boarding house tenancies) must adhere to the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy began.

From 1 July 2023

  • All households that are rented out to Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered are required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy first began.

From 1 July 2024

  • All rentals homes must comply with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the time of the first day of tenancy.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large 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 from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within the home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Te Aro

Rental properties in Te Aro should have a permanent heating source that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

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

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Aro

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside and remain closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

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A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Te Aro

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to allow the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

  • Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 2 – all of the 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

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

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Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

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

  • Living Room
  • Bedroom
  • Dining Rooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during a home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

  • Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
  • Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
  • Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
  • Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
  • Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.

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Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro Wellington 6011

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors we deal with all the issues that come with specialist house inspects. We’re there to ensure you make the best decision when purchasing your next property.

We value your money We will conduct detailed examinations to make sure that you don’t receive any expensive or unwelcome surprises meaning you are able to relax and focus on the enjoyable aspects of owning or purchasing a home.

We specialise in a range of services to ensure you are completely updated on the condition of any property you might be looking to purchase or sell along with other solutions.

Not only do we cooperate with you, we also work with large clients including bank branches, local councils and insurance companies. Evidently , they like this reassurance provided, due to the details provided in our building inspection reports.

We have a systematic approach to inspecting your property and the latest in technology for software with digital photos embedded into your Report, you are able to actually see any issues found. Through our comprehensive reporting it’s no wonder we have so many clients who recommend our services to their family and friends.

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Comprehensive Home Inspections

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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