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 now have to ensure that their Homedale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Homedale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Homedale, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Homedale rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Homedale rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Homedale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Homedale

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

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your house require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Homedale

Homedale rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Homedale

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Homedale

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and it will make much easier to the house to keep the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor 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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Homedale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Homedale

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Homedale include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Homedale for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check in an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.