Healthy Homes Assessment Te Mata

Te Mata tenants and landlords can get their rental property peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Te Mata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be done and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
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 a Te Mata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Te Mata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present 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.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance 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’s finished.

It is important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more 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 requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on 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 homes in New Zealand and Te Mata, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Te Mata rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Te Mata rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Te Mata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

healthy homes assessment compliance

How Other People Rate Us

This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
What time Do I require to meet The Healthy Homes Standards?

Te Mata Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies commenced between 1 July 2019 and 30 , June 20,21

  • Insulation of the underfloor and ceiling is required for all Te Mata and New Zealand rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Declaration of Intent along with an Insulation Declaration and an Insurance Statement should be included in any renewal, new or modified tenancy agreement.
  • Landlords and property managers must keep records to demonstrate the conformance to each Healthy Homes Standards that apply or will be applicable throughout the tenancy period of their rental properties.

Beginning 1 July 2021

  • Property managers and private landlords must ensure that their rental properties are in compliance to the Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal, new or a change in Tenancy.
  • All boarding homes (except Kainga Ora and Community Housing Providers with registered boarding household tenancies) must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date when the tenancy started.

Beginning 1 July 2023

  • All houses which are rented from Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered must be in compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy began.

From July 1st 2024

  • All rental homes are required to comply with Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the time of the first day of tenancy.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Mata

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of your home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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home heating inspections
Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Te Mata

Rental properties in Te Mata must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as 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 requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Te Mata

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that dried air can be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

building ventilation inspections
building insulation inspection
A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Te Mata

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to allow the house to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

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

  • Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
  • Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Te Mata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

moisture ingress and drainage inspection
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Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Mata

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Te Mata include each:

  • Living Rooms
  • Bedroom
  • Dining Rooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Mata for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

  • Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
  • Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
  • Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
  • Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
  • Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental property house assessment.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Te Mata Havelock North 4130

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors, we are experts in all components involved in specialist home inspects. We are there to ensure that you make the best decision when purchasing your next property.

We take your investment seriously, and undertake detailed inspections so you won’t receive any expensive or unwelcome surprise costs, meaning you can relax and focus on the enjoyable aspects of buying or owning a house.

We specialise in a range of solutions to make sure that you are completely aware of the state of any property you may be thinking of buying or selling as well as additional solutions.

We don’t just work with you , but we also have important clients such as local councils, banks, and insurance companies. Evidently , they like our peace of mind provided, thanks to the information in our building inspection reports.

With our systematic approach to your property inspection and the latest software technology that incorporates digital images into your Report, you are able to actually see any issues found. Thanks to our comprehensive report, it is not surprising that we have so many clients who recommend our service to family members and friends.

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Comprehensive Home Reports

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
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  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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