Healthy Homes Assessment Titahi Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Titahi Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must 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 will assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Titahi Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Titahi Bay, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Titahi Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Titahi Bay rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Titahi Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Titahi Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Titahi Bay

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Titahi Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to the household to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand 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 rest of 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Titahi Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Titahi Bay

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Titahi Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Titahi Bay for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

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