Healthy Homes Assessment Waiwhetu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Waiwhetu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely certified to evaluate both 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Waiwhetu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Waiwhetu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Waiwhetu, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Waiwhetu rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Waiwhetu rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waiwhetu

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out of the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Waiwhetu

Rental properties in Waiwhetu should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient 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 acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waiwhetu

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Waiwhetu

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task to the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Waiwhetu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waiwhetu

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• 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 an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property home assessment.