Healthy Homes Assessment Harbour View

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Harbour View rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in 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 $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Harbour View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Harbour View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate 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 also important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Harbour View, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Harbour View rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Harbour View rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Harbour View Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Harbour View

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Harbour View

Rental properties in Harbour View must have a fixed heating source that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Harbour View

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Harbour View

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to the house to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective 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 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Harbour View Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of 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 Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Harbour View include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Harbour View for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental properties house assessment.