Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? 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 rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After 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 information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified to evaluate each of 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 Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied 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 meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Waitangirua rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Waitangirua rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A humid house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable 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 out of a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Waitangirua

Rental properties in Waitangirua must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up with a new 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 offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it may require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Waitangirua

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air is much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Waitangirua

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy to allow the house to retain heat.

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

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

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

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waitangirua

The areas of rental property that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Waitangirua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties home evaluation.