Healthy Homes Assessment Horokiwi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Horokiwi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Horokiwi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Horokiwi, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Horokiwi rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Horokiwi rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Horokiwi

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Horokiwi

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

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Horokiwi

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Horokiwi

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes much easier to the home to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Horokiwi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Horokiwi

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by The Healthy Homes Standard in Horokiwi include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Horokiwi for Rental Properties

There are many things to check during the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.