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 of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure 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 certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully qualified to assess 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an home assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Ascot Park, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Ascot Park rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Ascot Park rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Ascot Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ascot Park

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Ascot Park

Rental properties in Ascot Park require a reliable source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 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 be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Ascot Park

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Ascot Park

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes much easier to the house to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Ascot Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent 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 Ascot Park

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Ascot Park include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ascot Park for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough 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 falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.