Healthy Homes Assessment Onekawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Onekawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties 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 can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done, and offer a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Onekawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for an Onekawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Onekawa, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Onekawa rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Onekawa rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Onekawa

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Onekawa

Rental properties in Onekawa require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe 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 a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Onekawa

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and 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 hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Onekawa

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Onekawa 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 about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Onekawa

The areas of rental property that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Onekawa include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Onekawa for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property house assessment.