Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Waitangirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be done, and offer the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Waitangirua 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 within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Waitangirua rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on 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 are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A cold house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Waitangirua

Rental properties in Waitangirua should have a permanent heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waitangirua

Every living space in a rental home must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Waitangirua

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes more easy to the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, 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

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

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waitangirua

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Waitangirua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property house assessment.