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 July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Titahi Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to 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 will assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Titahi Bay, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Titahi Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Titahi Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Titahi Bay

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of your house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the household warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will examine all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay rental properties need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it may require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Titahi Bay

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Titahi Bay

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy to allow the house to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Titahi Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Titahi Bay

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Titahi Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Titahi Bay for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.