Healthy Homes Assessment Homedale

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Homedale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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 whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Homedale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Homedale, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Homedale rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

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 Homedale rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Homedale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Homedale

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the house warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Homedale

Rental properties in Homedale should have a permanent heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the 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 source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Homedale

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Homedale

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier to the household to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

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

Homedale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, 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.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Homedale

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Homedale include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Homedale for Rental Properties

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

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house assessment.