Healthy Homes Assessment Seatoun

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Seatoun rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully qualified for both 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 contract is signed on a Seatoun rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Seatoun rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request a house evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Seatoun, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Seatoun rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Seatoun

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

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of the home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable 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 building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the home warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Seatoun

Rental properties in Seatoun should have a permanent heating source that can heat the living space to a minimum of 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 and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Seatoun

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Seatoun

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to the household to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for 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 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Seatoun Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Seatoun

Rental property areas affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Seatoun include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Seatoun for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house evaluation.