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 July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Wainuiomata 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 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 will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be completed, and provide 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 under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified 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, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Wainuiomata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also crucial to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Wainuiomata, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Wainuiomata rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Wainuiomata rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Wainuiomata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wainuiomata

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A damp house will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into your house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the household warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Wainuiomata

Wainuiomata rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wainuiomata

Every living space in a rental house must include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dried air can be much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least to open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Wainuiomata

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to allow the home to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wainuiomata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor 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

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Wainuiomata include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wainuiomata for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.