Healthy Homes Assessment Fairfield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely compliant 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 evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Fairfield, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Fairfield rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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 within Fairfield rental properties.

Start now and call about the Fairfield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Fairfield

Rental properties in Fairfield should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Fairfield

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside and remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Fairfield

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Fairfield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit 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 the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Fairfield

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Fairfield include each:

• Living Room
• 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 when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house assessment.