Healthy Homes Assessment Titahi Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Titahi Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of 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 healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified for each of 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, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting 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 contract is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Titahi Bay, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Titahi Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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

Start now and call about getting 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 houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building as the house warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Titahi Bay

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and are not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Titahi Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes more easy for the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Titahi Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor 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

The areas of rental property that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Titahi Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Titahi Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.