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? Landlords now have to ensure that their Newlands 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 fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Newlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Newlands, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Newlands rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newlands

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within your home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building when the home warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Newlands

Rental properties in Newlands need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Newlands

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside and remain closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Newlands

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make much easier to the home to hold heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists 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 North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Newlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

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

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newlands

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Newlands include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newlands for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.