Healthy Homes Assessment Riverstone Terraces

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Riverstone Terraces rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties and 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Riverstone Terraces, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Riverstone Terraces rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Riverstone Terraces rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Riverstone Terraces

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold house will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Riverstone Terraces

Rental properties in Riverstone Terraces must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Riverstone Terraces

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Riverstone Terraces

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to allow the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Riverstone Terraces Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Riverstone Terraces include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during a house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home assessment.