Healthy Homes Assessment Homedale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Homedale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must 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 can evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’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 who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Homedale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on a Homedale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable to pay 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.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Homedale, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Homedale rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Homedale rental properties.

Start now and call about the Homedale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Homedale

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A cold home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building when the home warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Homedale

Rental properties in Homedale should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Homedale

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising how dried air can be much easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that vent out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Homedale

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Homedale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Homedale

The areas of rental property that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Homedale include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Homedale for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.