Healthy Homes Assessment Onekawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Onekawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant 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 your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re 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, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Onekawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Onekawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Onekawa, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Onekawa rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Onekawa rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Onekawa

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Onekawa

Rental properties in Onekawa require a reliable source of heating that can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Onekawa

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Onekawa

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task for the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

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

Onekawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor 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 Onekawa

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Onekawa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Onekawa for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.