Healthy Homes Assessment Omahu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Omahu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 232 113

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Omahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Omahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Omahu, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Omahu rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Omahu rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Omahu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Omahu

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within the home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the house warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Omahu

Omahu rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Omahu

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

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

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Omahu

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Omahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor 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 Omahu

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Omahu include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Omahu for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.