Healthy Homes Assessment Tawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Tawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate both 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Tawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Tawa 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 deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present 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 regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is crucial to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Tawa rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Tawa rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tawa

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Tawa

Tawa rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even on the most 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 outlook.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it could require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Tawa

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Tawa

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to the home to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Tawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tawa

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Tawa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tawa for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.