Healthy Homes Assessment Napier South

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? The landlords are now required to ensure their Napier South rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done, and offer a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

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 for a Napier South rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Napier South rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Napier South, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Napier South rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Napier South rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Napier South Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Napier South

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A cold home costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of the house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Napier South

Rental properties in Napier South should have a permanent heating source that can warm the largest or main 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 outlook.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Napier South

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air is less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least to open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Napier South

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and it will make an easier task to allow the house to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Napier South Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Napier South

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Napier South for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental property house evaluation.