Healthy Homes Assessment Haywards

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Haywards rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Haywards, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Haywards rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on 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 can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors in your 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 Haywards

Haywards rental properties require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Haywards

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air will be easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Haywards

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and it will make much easier to the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Haywards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only 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 also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haywards

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Haywards include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haywards for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.