Healthy Homes Assessment Silverstream

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 make sure their Silverstream rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done and offer a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely certified to assess each of 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Silverstream rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Silverstream rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Silverstream, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the standard of Silverstream rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Silverstream rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Silverstream Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Silverstream

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the building when the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Silverstream

Rental properties in Silverstream require a reliable heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during 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 wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it may require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Silverstream

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

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

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Silverstream

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Silverstream Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Silverstream

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Silverstream include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Silverstream for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in an house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties home assessment.