Healthy Homes Assessment Ngaio

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 now have to ensure that their Ngaio rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified for 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 tenancy is signed on a Ngaio rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Ngaio, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Ngaio rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Ngaio rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Ngaio Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ngaio

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the household warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Ngaio

Ngaio rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Ngaio

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air is much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Ngaio

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make much easier to the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Ngaio Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes 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 keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s 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 structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ngaio

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ngaio for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine during a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.