Healthy Homes Assessment Taradale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Taradale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Taradale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Taradale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Taradale, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the quality of Taradale rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Taradale rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Taradale

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Taradale

Rental properties in Taradale require a reliable source of heat that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Taradale

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air is easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Taradale

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making much easier to the house to keep the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Taradale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Taradale

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Taradale include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Taradale for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.