Healthy Homes Assessment Harbour View

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 that their Harbour View rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Harbour View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Harbour View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting 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 requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to be aware that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Harbour View, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Harbour View rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Harbour View rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Harbour View Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Harbour View

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A cold home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within your home need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building when the household warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Harbour View

Rental properties in Harbour View need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it may require an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Harbour View

Every living space in a rental house must contain at minimum one open 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 dried air can be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Harbour View

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Harbour View Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Harbour View

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Harbour View include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Harbour View for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property home assessment.