Healthy Homes Assessment Waterloo

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Waterloo rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for 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 brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Waterloo, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key 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 help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Waterloo rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waterloo

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A cold house will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be 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 sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Waterloo

Rental properties in Waterloo must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waterloo

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be more easy to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Waterloo

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest 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 property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Waterloo Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor 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 with The Healthy Homes Standard in Waterloo include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waterloo for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

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