Healthy Homes Assessment Fairfield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed 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 will assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to evaluate 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to remember that a landlord who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Fairfield, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Fairfield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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 Stopping in Fairfield rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Fairfield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Fairfield

Rental properties in Fairfield need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Fairfield

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Fairfield

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to the house to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Fairfield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor 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 Fairfield

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Fairfield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.