Healthy Homes Assessment Lower Hutt

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Lower Hutt rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully 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 evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed and offer a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, we are completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Lower Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Lower Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to note that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Lower Hutt rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Lower Hutt rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lower Hutt

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Lower Hutt

Rental properties in Lower Hutt need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it may need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Lower Hutt

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Lower Hutt

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes more easy for the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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, underfloor R 1.3

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

Lower Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing 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 Lower Hutt

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Lower Hutt include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lower Hutt for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house evaluation.