Healthy Homes Assessment Te Awa

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 Te Awa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st 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 to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate 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 tenancy is signed for a Te Awa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Te Awa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Te Awa, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Te Awa rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Te Awa rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Te Awa Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Awa

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Te Awa

Rental properties in Te Awa must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it could need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Te Awa

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising how dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Te Awa

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Te Awa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Awa

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standard in Te Awa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Awa for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over when conducting a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.