Healthy Homes Assessment Waipukurau

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 now have to ensure their Waipukurau rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 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 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 tasks that requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified for both 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Waipukurau rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Waipukurau, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Waipukurau rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Waipukurau rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Waipukurau Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waipukurau

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Waipukurau

Rental properties in Waipukurau need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must include the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like an air conditioner, it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waipukurau

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Waipukurau

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make more easy for the house to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Waipukurau Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waipukurau

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Waipukurau include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waipukurau for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.