Healthy Homes Assessment Raureka

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Raureka rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely 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 assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be completed and provide the 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 violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

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 Raureka rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Raureka rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Raureka, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Raureka rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Raureka

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Raureka

Rental properties in Raureka need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 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 well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must include the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Raureka

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dried air can be much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Raureka

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make it easier to allow the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Raureka Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Raureka

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Raureka include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Raureka for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property house evaluation.