Healthy Homes Assessment Te Awanga

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Te Awanga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st 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 to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed and provide the report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Te Awanga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Te Awanga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Te Awanga, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Te Awanga rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Te Awanga rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Te Awanga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Awanga

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of the house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Te Awanga

Rental properties in Te Awanga require a reliable source of heat that can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW 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 your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Te Awanga

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Te Awanga

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making much easier for the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Te Awanga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Awanga

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Te Awanga include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Awanga for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over when conducting a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties home evaluation.