Healthy Homes Assessment Whakatu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Whakatu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Whakatu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Whakatu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Whakatu, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Whakatu rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control for Whakatu rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Whakatu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Whakatu

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being homes

Heating Whakatu

Rental properties in Whakatu should have a permanent heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it could require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Whakatu

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Whakatu

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task to allow the household to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the 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 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Whakatu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Whakatu

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Whakatu include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Whakatu for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property home assessment.