Healthy Homes Assessment Te Awanga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Te Awanga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects 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’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Te Awanga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Te Awanga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property, so it could 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 executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Te Awanga, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Te Awanga rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping for Te Awanga rental properties.

Start now and call about the Te Awanga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Awanga

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can 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 getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Te Awanga

Rental properties in Te Awanga must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it requirements to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Awanga

Each living space within a rental home must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Te Awanga

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make it easier for the household to hold heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Te Awanga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering 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 Te Awanga

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Te Awanga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Awanga for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for during an house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house assessment.