Healthy Homes Assessment Ngauranga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that 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 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 assess your rental property and 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. requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in 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 associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Ngauranga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Ngauranga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Ngauranga, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Ngauranga rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Ngauranga rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ngauranga

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within your home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Ngauranga

Rental properties in Ngauranga require a reliable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it could require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Ngauranga

Each liveable space in a rental house must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Ngauranga

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to allow the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Ngauranga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring 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 with The Healthy Homes Standards in Ngauranga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ngauranga for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine in an 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 waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.