Healthy Homes Assessment Houghton Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Houghton Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified for both 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 contract is signed on a Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Houghton Bay, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Houghton Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Houghton Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Houghton Bay

Rental properties in Houghton Bay must have a fixed heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it could need an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Houghton Bay

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air is easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Houghton Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets the new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and it will make an easier task for the home to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Houghton Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor 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 Houghton Bay

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Houghton Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Houghton Bay for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home assessment.