Healthy Homes Assessment Belmont

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? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Belmont rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified for 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, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Belmont rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Belmont rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Belmont, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Belmont rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Belmont rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Belmont Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Belmont

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Belmont

Rental properties in Belmont must have a fixed heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Belmont

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least to open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Belmont

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make much easier to the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands 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 part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Belmont Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Belmont

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Belmont include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Belmont for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for during a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a 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 properties home evaluation.