Healthy Homes Assessment Ahuriri

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Ahuriri rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be done and offer a report with all the necessary information for 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 who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified to assess 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 new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Ahuriri rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Ahuriri rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Ahuriri, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Ahuriri rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Ahuriri Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ahuriri

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening 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 of the house require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test 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.

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being homes

Heating Ahuriri

Rental properties in Ahuriri should have a permanent heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like heat pumps, it could need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ahuriri

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Ahuriri

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Ahuriri Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually 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 moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ahuriri

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Ahuriri include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ahuriri for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.