Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Horokiwi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 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. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully certified to assess 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who have several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in 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 make arrangements to have an home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Horokiwi rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

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

Contact us now to discuss the Horokiwi Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Horokiwi

Rental properties in Horokiwi must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Horokiwi

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

Property rental areas that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Horokiwi include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental properties home assessment.