Healthy Homes Assessment Judgeford

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Judgeford rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be done, and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Judgeford, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Judgeford rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out from the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Judgeford

Rental properties in Judgeford should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should be equipped with a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Judgeford

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air is easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Judgeford

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make an easier task to allow the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, 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 usually the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Judgeford

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over when conducting a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.