Healthy Homes Assessment Alicetown

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 Alicetown 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 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Alicetown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Alicetown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Alicetown, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the quality of Alicetown rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Alicetown rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Alicetown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Alicetown

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A cold home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being houses

Heating Alicetown

Rental properties in Alicetown require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might just require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Alicetown

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Alicetown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

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

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

• 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Alicetown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Alicetown

The areas of rental property that are affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Alicetown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Alicetown for Rental Properties

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

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property home evaluation.