Healthy Homes Assessment Awatoto

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Awatoto rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to 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 can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of 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 healthy homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Awatoto rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house evaluation performed for 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 so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Awatoto, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Awatoto rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Awatoto rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Awatoto Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Awatoto

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A damp house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Awatoto

Rental properties in Awatoto need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even during the most 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 heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Awatoto

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air is much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Awatoto

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task for the household to hold the heat.

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 is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Awatoto Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Awatoto

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Awatoto include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Awatoto for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.