Healthy Homes Assessment Boulcott

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Boulcott rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $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 to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as 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 needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Boulcott, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Boulcott rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Boulcott rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Boulcott Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Draught Stopping Boulcott

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Heating Boulcott

Boulcott rental properties require a reliable heating source that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Boulcott

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

Insulation Boulcott

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make it easier to allow the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Boulcott Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Rental Property Home Assessments Boulcott

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Boulcott include each:

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

Home Assessments Boulcott for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house evaluation.