Healthy Homes Assessment Napier South

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Napier South rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to assess 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Napier South rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Napier South rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Napier South, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Napier South rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Napier South rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Napier South Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Napier South

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being houses

Heating Napier South

Rental properties in Napier South need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the 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 health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Napier South

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, and stay closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Napier South

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Napier South Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Napier South

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Napier South include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Napier South for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including 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 solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.