Healthy Homes Assessment Haumoana

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? The landlords are now required to ensure their Haumoana rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is fully 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

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Haumoana rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is important to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Haumoana, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Haumoana rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Haumoana rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Haumoana Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Haumoana

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Haumoana

Rental properties in Haumoana should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it could need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Haumoana

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

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

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Haumoana

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Haumoana Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haumoana

The areas of rental property that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Haumoana include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haumoana for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for during a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home evaluation.