Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

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 must ensure that their Aro Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both 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 contract is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Aro Valley rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Aro Valley rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Aro Valley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building as the home warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Aro Valley

Aro Valley rental properties must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is much 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 to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Aro Valley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy for the household to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the 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 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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor 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 Aro Valley

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.