Healthy Homes Assessment Fairfield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully qualified to assess both 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement 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 does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Fairfield, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Fairfield rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Fairfield rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Fairfield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Fairfield

Fairfield rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Fairfield

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least open to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Fairfield

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Fairfield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Fairfield

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Fairfield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during a home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house assessment.