Healthy Homes Assessment Ngauranga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Ngauranga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified for 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, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Ngauranga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Ngauranga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Ngauranga, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Ngauranga rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Ngauranga rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Ngauranga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ngauranga

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A damp house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building when the household heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Ngauranga

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

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it may require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Ngauranga

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Ngauranga

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to the household to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Ngauranga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ngauranga

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Ngauranga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ngauranga for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.