Healthy Homes Assessment Riverstone Terraces

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? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Riverstone Terraces rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Riverstone Terraces, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Riverstone Terraces rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Riverstone Terraces rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Riverstone Terraces Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Riverstone Terraces

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Riverstone Terraces

Riverstone Terraces rental properties require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature 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 minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fix 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 acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Riverstone Terraces

Every living space of the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Riverstone Terraces

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy for the home to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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, underfloor R 1.3

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

Riverstone Terraces Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces

The areas of rental property that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Riverstone Terraces include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.