Healthy Homes Assessment Titahi Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Titahi Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in 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’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be completed and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified to assess both 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Titahi Bay, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Titahi Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Titahi Bay rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Titahi Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Titahi Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed 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 the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Titahi Bay

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Titahi Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to allow the home to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Titahi Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Titahi Bay

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Titahi Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Titahi Bay for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.