Healthy Homes Assessment Harbour View

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Harbour View rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the details required 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 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Harbour View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done for your rental property.

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 important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Harbour View, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Harbour View rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Harbour View rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Harbour View

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Harbour View

Harbour View rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it might just need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Harbour View

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Harbour View

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to the household to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Harbour View Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Harbour View

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standard in Harbour View include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Harbour View for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties home evaluation.