Healthy Homes Assessment Avalon

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 now have to make sure their Avalon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals 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 will evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to note that landlords who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Avalon, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Avalon rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Avalon rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Avalon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Avalon

Draughts are a major cause of 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 through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will check the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Avalon

Rental properties in Avalon require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on 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 and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Avalon

Each living space within a rental house must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The 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 for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Avalon

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make more easy to the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Avalon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Avalon

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Avalon for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property home assessment.