Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Waitangirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with 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 violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely certified to assess both 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 brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or 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 and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Waitangirua rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Waitangirua rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Waitangirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Waitangirua

Waitangirua rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waitangirua

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dried air can be easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Waitangirua

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier to the home to keep the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

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 Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.