Healthy Homes Assessment Haumoana

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 are now required to make sure their Haumoana rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are 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 requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

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

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Haumoana rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Haumoana rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Haumoana, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Haumoana rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Haumoana rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Haumoana

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Haumoana

Haumoana rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must include an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Haumoana

Every living space in a rental house must contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Haumoana

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier for the household to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Haumoana Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haumoana

The areas of rental property that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Haumoana include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haumoana for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.