Healthy Homes Assessment Totara Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Totara Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 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 and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Totara Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Totara Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Totara Park, and research has shown that these rental homes tend 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 linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Totara Park rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Totara Park rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Totara Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Totara Park

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Totara Park

Totara Park rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it may require an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Totara Park

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Totara Park

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses since July 1, 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 some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier to the household to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Totara Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water 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, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Totara Park

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Totara Park include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Totara Park for Rental Properties

There are many things to check during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.