Healthy Homes Assessment Judgeford

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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Judgeford rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended 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 live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that landlords who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Judgeford, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Judgeford rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Judgeford rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building when the home warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Judgeford

Judgeford rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Judgeford

Each living space within a rental home must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Judgeford

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to the home to hold the heat.

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

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

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal 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 isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Judgeford

Rental property areas affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Judgeford include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for when conducting an house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.