Healthy Homes Assessment Raupunga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Raupunga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 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 check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done and provide the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Raupunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Raupunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Raupunga, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Raupunga rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Raupunga rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Raupunga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Raupunga

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Raupunga

Raupunga rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source such as the heat pump, it might just require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Raupunga

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Raupunga

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Raupunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Raupunga

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Raupunga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Raupunga for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.