Healthy Homes Assessment Ngauranga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Ngauranga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards 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 as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Ngauranga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Ngauranga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed 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 from New Zealand and Ngauranga, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Ngauranga rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Ngauranga rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Ngauranga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ngauranga

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Ngauranga

Ngauranga rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Ngauranga

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dried air can be more easy to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Ngauranga

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes much easier to the household to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Ngauranga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ngauranga

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standard in Ngauranga include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ngauranga for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.