Healthy Homes Assessment Onekawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Onekawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 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 determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified to evaluate 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Onekawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Onekawa, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Onekawa rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means 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 Draught Control for Onekawa rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Onekawa

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A humid house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into the house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the household is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Onekawa

Onekawa rental properties require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to include an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it could require an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Onekawa

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air is much easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Onekawa

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task for the house to hold heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Onekawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Onekawa

Property rental areas that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Onekawa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Onekawa for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for during the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.