Healthy Homes Assessment Tutira

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Tutira rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully 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 will assess your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties and are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Tutira rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Tutira, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Tutira rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Tutira rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Tutira Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tutira

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A cold house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps 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 coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of the house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Tutira

Tutira rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it needs to include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Tutira

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Tutira

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make much easier to the house to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Tutira Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring 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 Tutira

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Tutira include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tutira for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine during the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.