Healthy Homes Assessment Waterloo

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Waterloo rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals 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 can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Waterloo, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Waterloo rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Waterloo rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Waterloo Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waterloo

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Waterloo

Waterloo rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it should include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it could need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waterloo

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside and remain closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Waterloo

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task for the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Waterloo Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waterloo

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Waterloo include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waterloo for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.