Healthy Homes Assessment Haywards

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Haywards rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Haywards, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Haywards rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Haywards rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Haywards

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of your house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Haywards

Rental properties in Haywards must have a fixed heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Haywards

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Haywards

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to the household to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Haywards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haywards

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Haywards include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haywards for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.