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 make sure their Waterloo rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide 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 found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified for both 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 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 adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy 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 requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Waterloo, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Waterloo rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less 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 Stopping within Waterloo rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waterloo

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Waterloo

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

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waterloo

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Waterloo

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier for the house to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the 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 but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor 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 Waterloo

Property rental areas that are affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Waterloo include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waterloo for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.