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 make sure that their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

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

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Fairfield, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Fairfield rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning 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 Draught stopping within Fairfield rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Fairfield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine all 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.

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Fairfield

Rental properties in Fairfield should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to include the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Fairfield

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Fairfield

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier to allow the house to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Fairfield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s often what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. 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 by The Healthy Homes Standard in Fairfield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.