Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Aro Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must 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 assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

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 an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on the Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request an home assessment done on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Aro Valley rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Aro Valley rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Aro Valley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within your house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Aro Valley

Rental properties in Aro Valley should have a permanent heating source which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Aro Valley

Each liveable space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Aro Valley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task for the household to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

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

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aro Valley

The areas of rental property that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Aro Valley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.