Healthy Homes Assessment Titahi Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Titahi Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks that needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties we are 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Titahi Bay, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Titahi Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

Contact us now to discuss having a Titahi Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Titahi Bay

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay rental properties should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must have the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it might require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Titahi Bay

Each liveable space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, but remain closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Titahi Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to allow the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs 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 measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Titahi Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Titahi Bay

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Titahi Bay include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Titahi Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.