Healthy Homes Assessment Mount Cook

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Mount Cook rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to assess 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 tenancy is signed on a Mount Cook rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Mount Cook rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to note that landlords who manage several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Mount Cook, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Mount Cook rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Mount Cook rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Mount Cook Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mount Cook

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Mount Cook

Rental properties in Mount Cook must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} 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 well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it must include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Mount Cook

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air will be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Mount Cook

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task for the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Mount Cook Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mount Cook

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Mount Cook include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mount Cook for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check in the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.