Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Horokiwi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 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 determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified to evaluate each of 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in 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 reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Horokiwi rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Horokiwi rental properties.

Start now and call about the Horokiwi Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Horokiwi

Rental properties in Horokiwi must have a fixed heating source that can warm the living space 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 heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient 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 aren’t considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be more easy to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Horokiwi

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the home to keep heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

The areas of rental property that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Horokiwi include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.