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 July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Takapuwahia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can 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. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Takapuwahia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Takapuwahia, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Takapuwahia rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Takapuwahia rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Takapuwahia

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building when the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Takapuwahia

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

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it needs to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Takapuwahia

Every living space of a rental home must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dried air can be more easy to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Takapuwahia

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and it will make an easier task to allow the household to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge 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 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Takapuwahia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Takapuwahia

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by the Healthy Homes Standards in Takapuwahia include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Takapuwahia for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.