Healthy Homes Assessment Waterloo

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Waterloo rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new 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 your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be done and provide the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully qualified to evaluate 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, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Waterloo, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Waterloo rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Waterloo rental properties.

Start now and call about the Waterloo Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waterloo

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of your home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Waterloo

Waterloo rental properties require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waterloo

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and 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 spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Waterloo

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

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

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

Waterloo Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waterloo

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Waterloo include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waterloo for Rental Properties

There are many things to check during the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.