Healthy Homes Assessment Lower Hutt

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure 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 rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. 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 fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Lower Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Lower Hutt 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 period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a home 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 So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Lower Hutt, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Lower Hutt rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Lower Hutt rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Lower Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lower Hutt

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Lower Hutt

Rental properties in Lower Hutt require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors 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 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it could need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Lower Hutt

Every living space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Lower Hutt

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to allow the home to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Lower Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to 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 do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lower Hutt

The areas of rental property that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Lower Hutt include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lower Hutt for Rental Properties

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

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental properties house assessment.