Healthy Homes Assessment Hataitai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Hataitai 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 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 assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Hataitai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Hataitai, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the quality of Hataitai rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Hataitai rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Hataitai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hataitai

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A damp house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the house warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Hataitai

Rental properties in Hataitai should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Hataitai

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Hataitai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task for the household to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Hataitai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hataitai

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Hataitai include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hataitai for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.