Healthy Homes Assessment Waiohiki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 232 113

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Waiohiki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Waiohiki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

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

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Waiohiki, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Waiohiki rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Waiohiki rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waiohiki

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required 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 inspect all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Waiohiki

Rental properties in Waiohiki should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to have an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waiohiki

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

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

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Waiohiki

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to the home to keep the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Waiohiki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waiohiki

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Waiohiki include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waiohiki for Rental Properties

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

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home evaluation.