Healthy Homes Assessment Stokes Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Stokes Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that needs to be done, and offer the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified for each of 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Stokes Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Stokes Valley, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Stokes Valley rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Stokes Valley

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Stokes Valley

Rental properties in Stokes Valley require a reliable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, then it must include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Stokes Valley

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air will be more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Stokes Valley

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making it easier for the household to hold heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 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 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 quality.

Stokes Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring 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 Stokes Valley

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Stokes Valley for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over in an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.