Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Waitangirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that needs to be completed and offer a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new 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 property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request a home inspection performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Waitangirua rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping for Waitangirua rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within the home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the home warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Waitangirua

Waitangirua rental properties must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it could need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waitangirua

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs at least open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Waitangirua

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making much easier to allow the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waitangirua

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standards in Waitangirua include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.