Healthy Homes Assessment Wainuiomata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Wainuiomata 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 must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to remember that a landlord who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Wainuiomata, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Wainuiomata rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Wainuiomata rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Wainuiomata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wainuiomata

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out of your house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Wainuiomata

Wainuiomata rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the main or largest 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 as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wainuiomata

Each living space within a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wainuiomata

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task to allow the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher 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 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wainuiomata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wainuiomata

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wainuiomata for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.