Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must 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 can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified to evaluate 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Naenae, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Naenae rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less 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 Draught Stopping for Naenae rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Naenae Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the house need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Naenae

Rental properties in Naenae require a reliable source of heat that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Naenae

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Naenae

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to the household to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Naenae

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with The Healthy Homes Standards in Naenae include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for during an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.