Healthy Homes Assessment Highbury

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 ensure that their Highbury rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess both 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 for a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Highbury, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Highbury rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Highbury rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Highbury Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Highbury

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home heats 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.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Highbury

Rental properties in Highbury require a reliable source of heat that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Highbury

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising how dried air can 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 areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Highbury

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make much easier to the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective 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, 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Highbury Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor 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 Highbury

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by the Healthy Homes Standard in Highbury include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Highbury for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.