Healthy Homes Assessment Napier

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Napier rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to assess each of 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, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Napier rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Napier rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Napier, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Napier rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Napier rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Napier Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Napier

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Napier

Napier rental properties should have a permanent heating source which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Napier

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dried air can be much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Napier

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task for the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater 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 part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Napier Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if 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 accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Napier

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Napier include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Napier for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.