Healthy Homes Assessment Hutt Central

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 that their Hutt Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant 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 check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Hutt Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Hutt Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Hutt Central, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Hutt Central rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Hutt Central rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Hutt Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hutt Central

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

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 probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will examine the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Hutt Central

Hutt Central rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Hutt Central

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Hutt Central

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making more easy for the house to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Hutt Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hutt Central

Property rental areas that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Hutt Central include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hutt Central for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.