Healthy Homes Assessment Houghton Bay

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 Houghton Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 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 whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request a home inspection performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Houghton Bay, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Houghton Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Houghton Bay rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Houghton Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Houghton Bay

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Houghton Bay

Houghton Bay rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source, like heat pumps, it could need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Houghton Bay

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

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

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs at least to open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Houghton Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Houghton Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Houghton Bay

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Houghton Bay include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Houghton Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.