Healthy Homes Assessment Raureka

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Raureka 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 fully certified 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 evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work required. requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the information needed 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 violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Raureka rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Raureka, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Raureka rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Raureka rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Raureka

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A humid house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Raureka

Raureka rental properties require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Raureka

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air is easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Raureka

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. 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 will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make much easier to the home to retain warmth.

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 more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

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

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

Raureka Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Raureka

The areas of rental property that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Raureka include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Raureka for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house evaluation.