Healthy Homes Assessment Iona

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Iona rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to 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 will assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Iona rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for an Iona rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for 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 from New Zealand and Iona, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Iona rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Iona rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Iona Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Iona

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of the home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the house heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Iona

Iona rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it needs to have the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like the heat pump, it might just require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Iona

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air will be easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Iona

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 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 quality.

Iona Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps 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 Iona

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Iona include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Iona for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for in a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of 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 replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.