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 their Hataitai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Hataitai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Hataitai, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Hataitai rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Hataitai rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Hataitai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hataitai

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your house need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Hataitai

Rental properties in Hataitai require a reliable heating source which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need 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 safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might just need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Hataitai

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Hataitai

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Hataitai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment 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.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. 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

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Hataitai include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hataitai for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.