Healthy Homes Assessment Waipawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Waipawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Waipawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Waipawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Waipawa, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Waipawa rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs 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 for Waipawa rental properties.

Start now and call about the Waipawa Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waipawa

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A humid house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap that is, it’s probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the home warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Waipawa

Rental properties in Waipawa must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to include an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might need a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Waipawa

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Waipawa

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to the household to hold the heat.

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

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

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Waipawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waipawa

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by The Healthy Homes Standards in Waipawa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waipawa for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during a house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes 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 an Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental properties home assessment.