Healthy Homes Assessment Avalon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Avalon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Avalon, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Avalon rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Avalon rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Avalon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Avalon

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the house is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Avalon

Avalon rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

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

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it needs to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might require a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Avalon

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Avalon

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task for the home to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

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

Avalon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space 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 typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Avalon

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Avalon include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Avalon for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine in an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home evaluation.