Healthy Homes Assessment Tutira

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Tutira rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 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 determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties and are fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Tutira rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Tutira rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Tutira, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Tutira rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control within Tutira rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tutira

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Tutira

Rental properties in Tutira require a reliable heating source that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Tutira

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Tutira

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier for the house to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Tutira Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tutira

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Tutira include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tutira for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over when conducting an house evaluation to determine if 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 insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.