Healthy Homes Assessment Naenae

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Naenae rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be completed and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Naenae rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for 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.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Naenae, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the standard of Naenae rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Naenae rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Naenae

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A damp home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from your house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Naenae

Rental properties in Naenae require a reliable heating source that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, then it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Naenae

Every living space of a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

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

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Naenae

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making much easier for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Naenae Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that 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 the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor 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 Naenae

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Naenae for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.