Healthy Homes Assessment Harbour View

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Harbour View rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new 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 evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to assess both 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 brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Harbour View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Harbour View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Harbour View, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Harbour View rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Harbour View rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Harbour View

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Harbour View

Rental properties in Harbour View require a reliable heating source that can heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, 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 health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it could require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Harbour View

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Harbour View

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Harbour View Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. 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

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Harbour View include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Harbour View for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check in a house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental properties house evaluation.