Healthy Homes Assessment Tutira

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Tutira rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be completed and offer the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Tutira rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Tutira rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Tutira, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Tutira rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

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

Start now and call about receiving a Tutira Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tutira

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Tutira

Tutira rental properties require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Tutira

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding that dried air can be much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Tutira

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier for the house to retain heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists 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 – The rest of the 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Tutira Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tutira

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Tutira include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tutira for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.