Healthy Homes Assessment Waipatu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with 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 healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely certified to assess 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Waipatu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Waipatu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Waipatu, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Waipatu rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Waipatu rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waipatu

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within the house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Waipatu

Waipatu rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waipatu

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Waipatu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to allow the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Waipatu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waipatu

Property rental areas that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Waipatu include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waipatu for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.