Healthy Homes Assessment Houghton Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Houghton Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified for each of 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Houghton Bay, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Houghton Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping in Houghton Bay rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Houghton Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Houghton Bay

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during our 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 Houghton Bay

Houghton Bay rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it might need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Houghton Bay

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum 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 fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Houghton Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task for the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists 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 remainder of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Houghton Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Houghton Bay

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Houghton Bay include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Houghton Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for in the house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

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