Healthy Homes Assessment Waipukurau

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Waipukurau rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals 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 evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be done, and provide the report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Waipukurau rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Waipukurau, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Waipukurau rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Waipukurau rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Waipukurau Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Waipukurau

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted 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 unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your house need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Waipukurau

Rental properties in Waipukurau need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Waipukurau

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open doors or windows 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.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Waipukurau

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

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

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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Waipukurau Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able 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 the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Waipukurau

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Waipukurau include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Waipukurau for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.