Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to 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 completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done, and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under 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 $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified 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 must be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Te Aro rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control on Te Aro rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the household heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Te Aro

Te Aro rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just require an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Aro

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Te Aro

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to allow the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

See the full details of this 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 ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Te Aro include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for in the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house assessment.