Healthy Homes Assessment Thorndon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Thorndon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to 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 assess the rental property you have in order to 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 any tasks which needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Thorndon, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Thorndon rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Thorndon rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Thorndon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Thorndon

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Thorndon

Rental properties in Thorndon require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should include a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might just require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Thorndon

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus 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 while remaining at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Thorndon

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy to allow the house to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Thorndon

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Thorndon include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Thorndon for Rental Properties

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

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house assessment.