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? The landlords are now required to ensure their Wadestown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully 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 and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified for 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an home assessment performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Wadestown, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Wadestown rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Wadestown rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Wadestown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wadestown

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of the home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Wadestown

Rental properties in Wadestown require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it may require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wadestown

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

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

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside while remaining closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wadestown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making more easy to allow the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs 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 is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wadestown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent 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 Wadestown

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Wadestown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wadestown for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check in the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.