Healthy Homes Assessment Normandale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Normandale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 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 requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with 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 $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request an house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Normandale, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Normandale rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Normandale rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Normandale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Normandale

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Normandale

Normandale rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it may need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Normandale

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Normandale

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to 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, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes it easier for the household to retain 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 the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective 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 and floor 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.

Normandale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Normandale

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standard in Normandale include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Normandale for Rental Properties

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

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require 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 house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home evaluation.