Healthy Homes Assessment Whakatu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Whakatu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st 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 to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Whakatu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Whakatu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Whakatu, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Whakatu rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Whakatu rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Whakatu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Whakatu

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Whakatu

Whakatu rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Whakatu

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Whakatu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to allow the house to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 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 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Whakatu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able 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 water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Whakatu

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Whakatu include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Whakatu for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.