Healthy Homes Assessment Wainuiomata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Wainuiomata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are 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 is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Wainuiomata 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 within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Wainuiomata, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Wainuiomata rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Wainuiomata rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Wainuiomata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wainuiomata

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Wainuiomata

Wainuiomata rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wainuiomata

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wainuiomata

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wainuiomata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wainuiomata

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Wainuiomata include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wainuiomata for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.