Healthy Homes Assessment Taita

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Taita 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 and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be done and provide a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Taita rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, 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 before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Taita, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Taita rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Taita rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Taita Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Taita

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A cold home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Taita

Taita rental properties require a reliable heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Taita

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

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

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Taita

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to the home to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Taita Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Taita

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standards in Taita include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Taita for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to book your rental property home assessment.