Healthy Homes Assessment Mount Cook

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 now have to ensure that 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 completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the details 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 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Mount Cook rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Mount Cook rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Mount Cook, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Mount Cook rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Mount Cook rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mount Cook

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Mount Cook

Rental properties in Mount Cook should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source, like heat pumps, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Mount Cook

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dried air can be much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Mount Cook

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task for the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Mount Cook Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mount Cook

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Mount Cook include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mount Cook for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.