Healthy Homes Assessment Taradale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Taradale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant 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 to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Taradale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Taradale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house assessment performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Taradale, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Taradale rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance 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 Draught Control within Taradale rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Taradale

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being houses

Heating Taradale

Rental properties in Taradale should have a permanent heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should include an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it might just require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Taradale

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Taradale

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make more easy for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Taradale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Taradale

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Taradale include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Taradale for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check when conducting a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.