Healthy Homes Assessment Haywards

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 must ensure their Haywards rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Haywards, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Haywards rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Haywards rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Haywards Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Haywards

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A damp house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it is probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of your home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Haywards

Haywards rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must have the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it could need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Haywards

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Haywards

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

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

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Haywards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haywards

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Haywards include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haywards for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

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