Healthy Homes Assessment Highbury

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 make sure that their Highbury rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 will assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be completed and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

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

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Highbury, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Highbury rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Highbury rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Highbury Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Highbury

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A humid home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within the house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Highbury

Rental properties in Highbury require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. 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 unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Highbury

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces 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 an ideal house

Insulation Highbury

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to allow the home to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Highbury Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Highbury

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Highbury include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Highbury for Rental Properties

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

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.