Healthy Homes Assessment Ascot Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Ascot Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate 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, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Ascot Park, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Ascot Park rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Ascot Park rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Ascot Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ascot Park

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Ascot Park

Ascot Park rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it could need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Ascot Park

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air will be less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Ascot Park

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes more easy to the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Ascot Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ascot Park

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Ascot Park include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ascot Park for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check in a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.