Healthy Homes Assessment Raureka

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Raureka rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for 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 contract is signed on a Raureka rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Raureka rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Raureka, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Raureka rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Raureka rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Raureka

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A cold house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within the home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Raureka

Raureka rental properties require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Raureka

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Raureka

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Raureka Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your 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 do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Raureka

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Raureka include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Raureka for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.