Healthy Homes Assessment Te Aro

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified for 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Te Aro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is important to be aware that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Te Aro, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Te Aro rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Te Aro rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Aro

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of the home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Te Aro

Te Aro rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Aro

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dried air can be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Te Aro

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task for the house to keep heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Te Aro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Aro

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Te Aro include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Aro for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.