Healthy Homes Assessment Wadestown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Wadestown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to 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 assess your rental property to check 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 about the work that requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any 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 leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Wadestown, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Wadestown rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Wadestown rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Wadestown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wadestown

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. 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. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building when the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Wadestown

Wadestown rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. 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 requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wadestown

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside and remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Wadestown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to allow the house to retain heat.

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

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

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

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

Wadestown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid 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’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wadestown

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Wadestown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wadestown for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.