Healthy Homes Assessment Waipukurau

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Waipukurau rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for 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 found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Waipukurau rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Waipukurau rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Waipukurau, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Waipukurau rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Waipukurau rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Waipukurau Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waipukurau

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Waipukurau

Waipukurau rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it might just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waipukurau

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Waipukurau

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier to allow the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

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

Waipukurau Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waipukurau

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Waipukurau include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waipukurau for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check when conducting an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.