Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

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 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 compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be 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 are living in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Aro Valley rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Aro Valley rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within your home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Aro Valley

Aro Valley rental properties need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Aro Valley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to allow the home to retain the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aro Valley

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standards 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 variety of things to check during a home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home assessment.