Healthy Homes Assessment Takapuwahia

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Takapuwahia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects 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. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6793

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the standard of Takapuwahia rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Takapuwahia rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Takapuwahia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the house warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Takapuwahia

Takapuwahia rental properties must have a fixed heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it could require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside and remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Takapuwahia

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes much easier to the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• 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 and underfloor 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Takapuwahia

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Takapuwahia include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.