Healthy Homes Assessment Churton Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Churton Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’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 any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to assess each of 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Churton Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place 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 reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Churton Park, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient 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 well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Churton Park rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower 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 as Draught Control on Churton Park rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Churton Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Churton Park

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Churton Park

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

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it may require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Churton Park

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Churton Park

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task for the house to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Churton Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also assists 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 Churton Park

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Churton Park include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Churton Park for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.