Healthy Homes Assessment Kotemaori

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Kotemaori rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with 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 healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kotemaori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability 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. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Kotemaori, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Kotemaori rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Kotemaori rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Kotemaori Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kotemaori

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within the home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Kotemaori

Kotemaori rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kotemaori

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper 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 a healthy home

Insulation Kotemaori

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. 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 property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making more easy for the home to retain the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kotemaori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kotemaori

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Kotemaori include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kotemaori for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for in a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today and book your rental properties home assessment.