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 are now required to ensure that their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed 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 can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Fairfield, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Fairfield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Fairfield rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building as the home warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Fairfield

Rental properties in Fairfield require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to have a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Fairfield

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least open to the outside while remaining closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Fairfield

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the 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

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of 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 Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property house evaluation.