Healthy Homes Assessment Newlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Newlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Newlands, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Newlands rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Newlands rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Newlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands require a reliable source of heating that can heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dried air can be more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Newlands

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and it will make an easier task for the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Newlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.