Healthy Homes Assessment Raupunga

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 ensure that their Raupunga rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed 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 will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work that needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation 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 related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to evaluate 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 Raupunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Raupunga rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Raupunga, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Raupunga rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Raupunga rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Raupunga Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Raupunga

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no 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 building as the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Raupunga

Rental properties in Raupunga need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it could need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Raupunga

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Raupunga

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

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

Raupunga Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Raupunga

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Raupunga include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Raupunga for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.