Healthy Homes Assessment Te Awanga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that needs to be completed and provide a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified to assess both 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 brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Te Awanga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Te Awanga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Te Awanga, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Te Awanga rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Te Awanga rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Te Awanga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Awanga

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Te Awanga

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

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Awanga

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Te Awanga

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier to the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Te Awanga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Awanga

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Te Awanga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Awanga for Rental Properties

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

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house assessment.