Healthy Homes Assessment Haywards

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Haywards rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be done and offer the report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

Our company is 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

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and arrange to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Haywards, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Haywards rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Haywards rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Haywards Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Haywards

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Haywards

Rental properties in Haywards need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it could require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Haywards

Each living space within a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising how dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Haywards

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task for the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Haywards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haywards

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Haywards include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haywards for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.