Healthy Homes Assessment Fairfield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Fairfield rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Begin now by calling about the Fairfield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Fairfield

Fairfield rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. 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 heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Fairfield

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Fairfield

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task for the household to retain warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Fairfield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Fairfield

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with The Healthy Homes Standard in Fairfield include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during a house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property home assessment.