Healthy Homes Assessment Awatoto

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Awatoto rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under 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 related fines.

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Awatoto rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on an Awatoto rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to remember that landlords with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Awatoto, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Awatoto rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in 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, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Awatoto rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Awatoto Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Awatoto

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out of the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Awatoto

Awatoto rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it could need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Awatoto

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Awatoto

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the house to hold the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands 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 remainder area of 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Awatoto Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

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

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Awatoto

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Awatoto include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Awatoto for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine in the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.