Healthy Homes Assessment Heretaunga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Heretaunga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6792

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed for your rental property.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Heretaunga, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Heretaunga rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Heretaunga rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Heretaunga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Heretaunga

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Heretaunga

Rental properties in Heretaunga should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. 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 for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Heretaunga

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside while remaining closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Heretaunga

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to allow the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Heretaunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Heretaunga

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Heretaunga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Heretaunga for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough 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 a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house assessment.