Healthy Homes Assessment Riverstone Terraces

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Riverstone Terraces rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks that needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also important to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Riverstone Terraces, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the quality of Riverstone Terraces rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved 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 damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Riverstone Terraces rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Riverstone Terraces Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Riverstone Terraces

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught 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 coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into the home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Riverstone Terraces

Riverstone Terraces rental properties must have a fixed heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most 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 heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Riverstone Terraces

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is much 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 hallways are not liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside, and stay closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Riverstone Terraces

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to the home to keep heat.

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

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

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

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Riverstone Terraces Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the 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 Riverstone Terraces

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Riverstone Terraces include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.