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 their Wainuiomata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is important to be aware that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Wainuiomata, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Wainuiomata rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Wainuiomata rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Wainuiomata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wainuiomata

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the building when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Wainuiomata

Rental properties in Wainuiomata must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wainuiomata

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Wainuiomata

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy to allow the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wainuiomata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wainuiomata

The areas of rental property that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Wainuiomata include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wainuiomata for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.