Healthy Homes Assessment Waterloo

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Waterloo rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Waterloo rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Waterloo, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Waterloo rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in 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 Draught-stopping for Waterloo rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waterloo

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Waterloo

Waterloo rental properties must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waterloo

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air is easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Waterloo

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets this new 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 can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the house to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the 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

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waterloo

The areas of rental property that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Waterloo include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waterloo for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.