Healthy Homes Assessment Waiwhetu

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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Waiwhetu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals 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 assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified 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, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Waiwhetu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Waiwhetu, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Waiwhetu rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Waiwhetu rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Waiwhetu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waiwhetu

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A humid home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of your house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Waiwhetu

Waiwhetu rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on 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 heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waiwhetu

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air will be much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Waiwhetu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to allow the household to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Waiwhetu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waiwhetu

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Waiwhetu include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waiwhetu for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.