Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for each of 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation 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 does not supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Horokiwi rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Horokiwi rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Horokiwi Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building when the household heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Horokiwi

Horokiwi rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it may need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

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

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Horokiwi

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier for the household to hold heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Horokiwi include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.