Healthy Homes Assessment Houghton Bay

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 must make sure that their Houghton Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are 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

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 have to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Houghton Bay, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Houghton Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Houghton Bay rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Houghton Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Houghton Bay

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A cold house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the home need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Houghton Bay

Rental properties in Houghton Bay need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 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 outlook.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Houghton Bay

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented 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 in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Houghton Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes more easy for the house to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

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

Houghton Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to 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 is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating 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

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Houghton Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Houghton Bay for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during an home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.