Healthy Homes Assessment Waipukurau

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 are now required to make sure that their Waipukurau rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 the work which requirements to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Waipukurau rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Waipukurau rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to note that landlords who manage several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Waipukurau, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Waipukurau rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

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

Start now and call about getting a Waipukurau Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waipukurau

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is 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 flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Waipukurau

Waipukurau rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like heat pumps, it might need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Waipukurau

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air is less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, and stay closed to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Waipukurau

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Waipukurau Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting 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 standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waipukurau

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Waipukurau include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waipukurau for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.