Healthy Homes Assessment Taradale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Taradale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Taradale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on the Taradale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property and 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 up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request an home assessment performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Taradale, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Taradale rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping for Taradale rental properties.

Start now and call about the Taradale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Taradale

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Taradale

Rental properties in Taradale must have a fixed heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just require an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Taradale

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

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Taradale

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make more easy for the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Taradale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Taradale

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Taradale include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Taradale for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for in an home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

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