Healthy Homes Assessment Fairfield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days 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 will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners 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 one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also important to remember that landlords who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Fairfield, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Fairfield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Fairfield rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from the house require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Fairfield

Rental properties in Fairfield must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it could need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Fairfield

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Fairfield

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to allow the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Fairfield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor 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

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check in the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental property house assessment.