Healthy Homes Assessment Normandale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Normandale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done and offer the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to assess both 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request 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 being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out which 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 signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Normandale, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Normandale rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for 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 can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will examine every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Normandale

Normandale rental properties require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the living space to at least 18degC, 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 heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it could require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Normandale

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air will be less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Normandale

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Normandale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a 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 an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Normandale

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Normandale for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house assessment.