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 July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Riverstone Terraces rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in 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 $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified to evaluate 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

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

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Riverstone Terraces, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Riverstone Terraces rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Riverstone Terraces rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Riverstone Terraces Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Riverstone Terraces

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will test the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Riverstone Terraces

Rental properties in Riverstone Terraces should have a permanent heating source which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it might need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Riverstone Terraces

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least to open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Riverstone Terraces

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and it will make it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Riverstone Terraces Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standards. 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 many concerns to check during the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to 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 professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.