Healthy Homes Assessment Napier South

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that 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 fully 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 assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Napier South rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out and 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, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Napier South, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Napier South rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Napier South rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Napier South Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Napier South

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within the home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Napier South

Napier South rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Napier South

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Napier South

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to allow the household to keep heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Napier South Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid 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.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Napier South

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Napier South for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.