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? The 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 renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely 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 and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified to assess 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to note that landlords who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request a house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Te Aro, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Te Aro rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over 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.

Begin now by calling about having 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 houses. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the house warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being houses

Heating Te Aro

Rental properties in Te Aro must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Te Aro

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding that dry air is less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Te Aro

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier to allow the home to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Te Aro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

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

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check during an house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home evaluation.