Healthy Homes Assessment Epuni

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Epuni rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Epuni rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Epuni rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

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

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Epuni, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the standard of Epuni rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Epuni rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Epuni Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Epuni

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A damp house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Epuni

Rental properties in Epuni need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended 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 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Epuni

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Epuni

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

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

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Epuni Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring 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 Epuni

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Epuni include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Epuni for Rental Properties

There are many things to check when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.