Healthy Homes Assessment Titahi Bay

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 must make sure that 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done, and offer a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Titahi Bay, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Titahi Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Titahi Bay rental properties.

Start now and call about the Titahi Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Titahi Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into the home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Titahi Bay

Rental properties in Titahi Bay need to have a stable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Titahi Bay

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Titahi Bay

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier for the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

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

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

Titahi Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of this 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 through The Healthy Homes Standard in Titahi Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Titahi Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.