Healthy Homes Assessment Napier

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 now have to make sure their Napier rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. 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 to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Napier rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on the Napier rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be 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 the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an house inspection 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 matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Napier, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Napier rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Napier rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Napier Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Napier

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Napier

Rental properties in Napier require a reliable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it may require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Napier

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Napier

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Napier Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Napier

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standards in Napier include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Napier for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.