Healthy Homes Assessment Awatoto

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Awatoto rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of 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 as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Awatoto rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Awatoto rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Awatoto, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Awatoto rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Awatoto rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Awatoto

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of your home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Awatoto

Rental properties in Awatoto must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Awatoto

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Awatoto

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task for the home to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Awatoto Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Awatoto

The areas of rental property that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Awatoto include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Awatoto for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for during an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property house assessment.