Healthy Homes Assessment Ahuriri

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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Ahuriri 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 certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’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 landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Ahuriri rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Ahuriri rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Ahuriri, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Ahuriri rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Ahuriri rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Ahuriri Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ahuriri

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Ahuriri

Ahuriri rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it may require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ahuriri

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dry air will be less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

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

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Ahuriri

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes more easy to allow the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Ahuriri Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ahuriri

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Ahuriri include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ahuriri for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.