Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

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 must ensure their Waitangirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st 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 and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to assess 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Waitangirua rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of 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 Control in Waitangirua rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Waitangirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the home heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Waitangirua

Waitangirua rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

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 to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Waitangirua

Each liveable space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dried air can be much easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Waitangirua

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes more easy for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 quality.

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waitangirua

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.