Healthy Homes Assessment Te Awa

Giving Te Awa landlords and tenants rental properties peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Te Awa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Te Awa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Te Awa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Te Awa, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the quality of Te Awa rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Te Awa rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Te Awa Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

healthy homes assessment compliance

How Other People Rate Us

This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
When Do I require to meet the Healthy Homes Standards?

Te Awa Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies that were signed in the period between July 1st 2019 and 30 June 2021

  • Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory throughout Te Awa and New Zealand rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Intent to Comply Statement, an Insulation Statement and an Insurance Statement must be included with any new, renewed or varied tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords have to keep records to demonstrate conformance with each Healthy Homes Standard that apply or will be in force throughout the tenancy period of their rental properties.

Starting 1 July 2021

  • Private landlords and property managers should make sure their rental properties conform with the Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new, renewed or varied lease.
  • All the boarding households (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider for boarding house tenancies) are required to comply with Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the date when the tenancy started.

From July 1st 2023

  • All houses that are rented out through Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered are required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date the tenancy was started.

Starting 1 July 2024

  • All rentals homes must be in compliance with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of when the tenancy began.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Awa

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the house heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Te Awa

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

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it might require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Awa

Every living space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

building ventilation inspections
building insulation inspection
A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Te Awa

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make more easy to the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

  • Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 2 – the remainder part 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Te Awa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place 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 an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

moisture ingress and drainage inspection
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Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Awa

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

  • Living Room
  • Bedroom
  • Dining Rooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Awa for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

  • Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
  • Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
  • Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
  • Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
  • Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental property home assessment.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Te Awa Napier 4110

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors we deal with all the issues of professional house inspects. We’re here to make sure that you make the best choice when it comes to purchasing your next property.

We consider your investment to be a serious one, and undertake comprehensive examinations to ensure that you don’t get any unexpected or expensive surprises meaning you can relax and focus on the enjoyable aspects of owning or purchasing your own home.

We specialise in a range of services to ensure you are completely informed of the condition of any property you might be contemplating buying or selling as well as additional solutions.

Not only do we work with you but we also work with major clients, including bank branches, local councils and insurance firms. They seem to enjoy the peace of mind provided, due to the details that we offer in our reports of building inspections.

With our systematic approach to inspecting your property and the latest in technology for software which includes digital photos in your reports, you are able to actually see any issues that could be identified. Because of our comprehensive reporting it is no wonder we have so many customers who recommend our service to family and friends.

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Comprehensive Home Reports

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
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  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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