Healthy Homes Assessment Eastbourne

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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Eastbourne rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty 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 liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could receive fines of 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 hard, with significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house evaluation performed 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?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Eastbourne, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Eastbourne rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Eastbourne rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Eastbourne

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of your house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Eastbourne

Eastbourne rental properties must have a fixed heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to have an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Eastbourne

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air will be more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Eastbourne

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Eastbourne Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Eastbourne

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Eastbourne include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Eastbourne for Rental Properties

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

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough 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 with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today and book your rental property home evaluation.