Healthy Homes Assessment Waipawa

Offering Waipawa landlords and tenants rental homes peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Waipawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now 0800 232 113
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Waipawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Waipawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is important to remember that landlords who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a house assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Waipawa, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the standard of Waipawa rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Waipawa rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Waipawa Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

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How Other People Rate Us

Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
What time do I need to meet the Healthy Homes Standards?

Waipawa Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies signed beginning on 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2021

  • The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required throughout Waipawa and New Zealand rental houses where it is reasonably practicable to install.
  • A Healthy Homes Declaration of Intent An Insulation Statement as well as an Insurance Statement should be included in any new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords must keep records to demonstrate compliance with each Healthy Homes Standards that apply or will be applicable during the tenancy of an apartment rental.

Starting 1 July 2021

  • Private landlords and property managers must ensure their rental properties comply to the Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of any new, renewed or varied lease.
  • All boarder households (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider boarding house tenancies) must comply with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of when the tenancy began.

Beginning 1 July 2023

  • All homes which are rented through Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered must meet the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy began.

From 1 July 2024

  • All rentals houses are required to comply with Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the date when the tenancy started.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waipawa

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Waipawa

Waipawa rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Waipawa

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

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

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

building ventilation inspections
building insulation inspection
A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Waipawa

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making much easier for the household to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

  • 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 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

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

Waipawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

moisture ingress and drainage inspection
rental home assessments
Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waipawa

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Waipawa include each:

  • Living Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Room
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waipawa for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

  • Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
  • Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
  • Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
  • Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
  • Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Waipawa Hawkes Bay Region 4210

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors we deal with all the aspects that come with professional home inspects. We’re there to make sure you make the right choice when it comes to buying your next home.

We are serious about your investment, and undertake comprehensive inspections so you won’t receive any expensive or unwelcome expenses, which means you can relax and focus on the fun aspects of purchasing or owning the home.

We are specialised in a range of services to make sure that you are completely aware of the state of any property you may be contemplating buying or selling as well as additional services.

We don’t just work with you but we also work with some major clients, including bank branches, local councils, and insurance firms. Evidently , they like our reassurance provided, due to the details in our building inspection reports.

We have a systematic approach to your inspection of your home and the most up-to-date software technology which includes digital photos in your report, you can actually see any issues that may be identified. Through our detailed report, it’s no wonder that we have so many clients who recommend our service to family and friends.

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Highly Trained & Insured Inspection Experts

Comprehensive Home Assessments

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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Healthy Homes Assessment

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