Healthy Homes Assessment Silverstream

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Silverstream rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified for 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 Silverstream rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Silverstream rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out 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 executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Silverstream, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Silverstream rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Silverstream rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Silverstream Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Silverstream

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out from your home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Silverstream

Rental properties in Silverstream require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Silverstream

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and 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. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Silverstream

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make more easy to allow the home to keep the heat.

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

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

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Silverstream Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Silverstream

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Silverstream include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Silverstream for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.