Healthy Homes Assessment Normandale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure 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 compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely qualified 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an house assessment done for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Normandale, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Normandale rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Normandale rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Normandale

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your house require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Normandale

Rental properties in Normandale need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Normandale

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces 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 to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Normandale

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make more easy for the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Normandale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an 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 ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps 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 Normandale

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Normandale include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Normandale for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.