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? Landlords now have to ensure their Judgeford rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be completed and provide a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

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 necessary work related to it’s finished.

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

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Judgeford, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Judgeford rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

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

Start now and call about the Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Judgeford

Rental properties in Judgeford need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it may need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Judgeford

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Judgeford

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make much easier to allow the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Judgeford

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Judgeford include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.