Healthy Homes Assessment Judgeford

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 ensure that 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 are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in 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 the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be done and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully certified for each of 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 on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Judgeford 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 anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who have several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Judgeford, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Judgeford rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Judgeford rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will check the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Judgeford

Rental properties in Judgeford should have a permanent heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it must include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it may need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Judgeford

Every living space of a rental house must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Judgeford

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier for the house to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with 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 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 remainder part 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Judgeford

Property rental areas that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Judgeford include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home evaluation.