Healthy Homes Assessment Te Hauke

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Te Hauke rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Te Hauke rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Te Hauke rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. 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 hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Te Hauke, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Te Hauke rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs over the long term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Hauke

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Te Hauke

Te Hauke rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, 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 an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Te Hauke

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Te Hauke

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making much easier to allow the household to hold the heat.

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 insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Te Hauke Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the home. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Hauke

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Te Hauke include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Hauke for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during an home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.