Healthy Homes Assessment Tutira

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Tutira 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 conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by 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. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties and are fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

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 for a Tutira rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Tutira rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Tutira, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Tutira rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Tutira rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tutira

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A humid home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the household is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Tutira

Tutira rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether 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 such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Tutira

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Tutira

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making much easier to the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better 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, 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Tutira Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

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

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tutira

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Tutira include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tutira for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home evaluation.