Healthy Homes Assessment Heretaunga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Heretaunga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by 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. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6792

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Heretaunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home inspection 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 so important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Heretaunga, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the quality of Heretaunga rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

Start now and call about getting a Heretaunga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Heretaunga

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out into your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Heretaunga

Rental properties in Heretaunga must have a fixed heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it could need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Heretaunga

Each liveable space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dried air can be less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs at least open to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Heretaunga

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making it easier for the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Heretaunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your 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.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the 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 by the Healthy Homes Standards in Heretaunga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Heretaunga for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over in an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house 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 falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home evaluation.