Healthy Homes Assessment Ascot Park

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 must make sure their Ascot Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties and are completely certified to assess each of 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 contract is signed on an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

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

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request an house assessment performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Ascot Park, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Ascot Park rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Ascot Park rental properties.

Start now and call about the Ascot Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ascot Park

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within the home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Ascot Park

Rental properties in Ascot Park require a reliable heating source that can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room 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 utilised to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Ascot Park

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight needs at least open to the outside and remain closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Ascot Park

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make it easier for the house to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Ascot Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ascot Park

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Ascot Park include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ascot Park for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check in an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house evaluation.