Healthy Homes Assessment Roseneath

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Roseneath rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be completed and offer a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Roseneath, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Roseneath rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Roseneath rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Roseneath Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Roseneath

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the home need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the home warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Roseneath

Rental properties in Roseneath must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must include an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Roseneath

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dry air is more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore 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 set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Roseneath

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task for the home to keep the heat.

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 can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 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.

Roseneath Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Roseneath

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Roseneath for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.