Healthy Homes Assessment Tomoana

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Tomoana rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Tomoana 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 contract is signed on the Tomoana rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Tomoana, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Tomoana rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Tomoana rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Tomoana Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tomoana

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within your house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Tomoana

Tomoana rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Tomoana

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dry air is easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Tomoana

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier to allow the household to retain warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Tomoana Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tomoana

Rental property areas affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Tomoana include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tomoana for Rental Properties

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

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.