Healthy Homes Assessment Stokes Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Stokes Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified to evaluate 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Stokes Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Stokes Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Stokes Valley, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Stokes Valley rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Stokes Valley rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Stokes Valley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Stokes Valley

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Stokes Valley

Stokes Valley rental properties require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as 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), it requirements to have a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Stokes Valley

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is much easier 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 all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Stokes Valley

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Stokes Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Stokes Valley

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Stokes Valley include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Stokes Valley for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over in a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.