Healthy Homes Assessment Waitangirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the 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 the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate 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 brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Waitangirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Waitangirua, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Waitangirua rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Waitangirua rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waitangirua

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being homes

Heating Waitangirua

Rental properties in Waitangirua need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it could require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waitangirua

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Waitangirua

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task for the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Waitangirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to 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 often not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital 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 floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waitangirua

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Waitangirua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waitangirua for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with 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 regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.