Healthy Homes Assessment Lower Hutt

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Lower Hutt rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to assess both 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Lower Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Lower Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Lower Hutt, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced 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 illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

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

Get started now and contact us about the Lower Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lower Hutt

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will check all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Lower Hutt

Rental properties in Lower Hutt require a reliable source of heat that can heat the living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed 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 are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it may require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Lower Hutt

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Lower Hutt

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making much easier to the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Lower Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lower Hutt

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

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lower Hutt for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.