Healthy Homes Assessment Te Mata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Te Mata 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 by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under 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 associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to evaluate 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 Mata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Te Mata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Te Mata, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Te Mata rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Te Mata rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Te Mata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Mata

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Te Mata

Rental properties in Te Mata must have a fixed heating source that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Te Mata

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air is easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Te Mata

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and it will make more easy to allow the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist 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 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Te Mata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Mata

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Te Mata include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Mata for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.