Healthy Homes Assessment Clouston Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Clouston Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Clouston Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Clouston Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Clouston Park, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Clouston Park rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Clouston Park rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Clouston Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Clouston Park

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of the house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the home warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Clouston Park

Clouston Park rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must include an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Clouston Park

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. We offer a 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 in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Clouston Park

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make much easier to allow the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Clouston Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Clouston Park

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Clouston Park for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.