Healthy Homes Assessment Te Awanga

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 are now required to ensure their Te Awanga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Te Awanga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable 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 property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Te Awanga, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Te Awanga rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Te Awanga rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Te Awanga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Awanga

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of your house require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building as the household warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Te Awanga

Rental properties in Te Awanga need to have a stable heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, 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 as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under The 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 your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Te Awanga

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air will be much easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Te Awanga

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make much easier to allow the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Te Awanga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when 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 that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Awanga

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Te Awanga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Awanga for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• 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 an tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.