Healthy Homes Assessment Rongotai

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 are now required to make sure that their Rongotai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be completed and provide a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified for each of 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Rongotai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Rongotai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to 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 may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Rongotai, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Rongotai rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Rongotai rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Rongotai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Rongotai

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from your house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Rongotai

Rongotai rental properties should have a permanent heating source which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it may require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Rongotai

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not 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.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Rongotai

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes much easier to the house to retain heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Rongotai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Rongotai

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Rongotai include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Rongotai for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.