Healthy Homes Assessment Kotemaori

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Kotemaori rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 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 whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

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 Kotemaori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on a Kotemaori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Kotemaori, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Kotemaori rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Kotemaori rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Kotemaori Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kotemaori

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Kotemaori

Rental properties in Kotemaori must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, 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 outlook.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kotemaori

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Kotemaori

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

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

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

Kotemaori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kotemaori

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standard in Kotemaori include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kotemaori for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.