Healthy Homes Assessment Normandale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Normandale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Normandale, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Normandale rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Normandale rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Normandale

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Normandale

Rental properties in Normandale must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature 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) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it may need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Normandale

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Normandale

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to the home to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Normandale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Normandale

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Normandale include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Normandale for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.