Healthy Homes Assessment Awatoto

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

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

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation 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 related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re 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

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Awatoto rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Awatoto, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Awatoto rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Awatoto rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Awatoto Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Awatoto

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

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 are able to feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Awatoto

Awatoto rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Awatoto

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Awatoto

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes much easier to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better 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 underfloor 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Awatoto Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Awatoto

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Awatoto include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Awatoto for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine when conducting an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties house evaluation.