Healthy Homes Assessment Omahu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Omahu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’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 to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified to evaluate both 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 new or renewed contract is signed on an Omahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given 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 hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment 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

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Omahu, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Omahu rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Omahu rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Omahu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Omahu

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A damp house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Omahu

Omahu rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 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 requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might just require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Omahu

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Omahu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier for the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Omahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to 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 Omahu

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Omahu include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Omahu for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.