Healthy Homes Assessment Fairfield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully qualified 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Fairfield, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Fairfield rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Fairfield rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Fairfield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the home warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Fairfield

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

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source, like an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Fairfield

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Fairfield

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task for the house to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and 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

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 the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Fairfield

Rental property areas affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Fairfield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during a home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.