Healthy Homes Assessment Takapuwahia

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 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6793

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the 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 deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request an house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Takapuwahia rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Takapuwahia rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Takapuwahia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside homes. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of your house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the house is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of your 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 healthy homes

Heating Takapuwahia

Rental properties in Takapuwahia must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Each liveable space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our 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 quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Takapuwahia

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make more easy for the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps to 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 Takapuwahia

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Takapuwahia include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting a house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.