Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

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 must make sure that their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to assess each of 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 tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Newlands, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Newlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands need to have a stable heating source which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should include an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Newlands

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make more easy to allow the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over in an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental property house evaluation.