Healthy Homes Assessment Kaiwharawhara

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Kaiwharawhara rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine 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 provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Kaiwharawhara rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Kaiwharawhara rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Kaiwharawhara, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Kaiwharawhara rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Kaiwharawhara rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Kaiwharawhara Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kaiwharawhara

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A cold home costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the house need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Kaiwharawhara

Rental properties in Kaiwharawhara require a reliable source of heating which can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source such as the heat pump, it could need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kaiwharawhara

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Kaiwharawhara

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier to allow the house to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

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

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

Kaiwharawhara Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kaiwharawhara

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Kaiwharawhara include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kaiwharawhara for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home 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 being in the wrong of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.