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 of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Avalon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be done 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 to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty 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 property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Avalon, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Avalon rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Avalon rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Avalon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Avalon

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A damp house costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Avalon

Avalon rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Avalon

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Avalon

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy for the home to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Avalon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Avalon

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Avalon include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Avalon for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.