Healthy Homes Assessment Fairfield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to 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 assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely qualified to assess each of 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 brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on the Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of 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. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

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

It is crucial to be aware that landlords with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Fairfield, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the standard of Fairfield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Get started now and contact us about the Fairfield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A humid home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being houses

Heating Fairfield

Rental properties in Fairfield must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Fairfield

Every living space of the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. We offer a 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.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Fairfield

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Fairfield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Fairfield

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Fairfield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.