Healthy Homes Assessment Waterloo

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the 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 any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely 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 can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to evaluate 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, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Waterloo, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Waterloo rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Waterloo rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waterloo

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Waterloo

Rental properties in Waterloo need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it needs to have the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waterloo

Each liveable space in a rental home must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Waterloo

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task for the house to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Waterloo Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor 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 through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Waterloo include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waterloo for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house evaluation.