Healthy Homes Assessment Trentham

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Trentham rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified for 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Trentham rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Trentham rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Trentham, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the quality of Trentham rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Trentham rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Trentham

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can 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 entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Trentham

Rental properties in Trentham should have a permanent heating source which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just require an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Trentham

Every living space in a rental home must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Trentham

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making 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" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor 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.

Trentham Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Trentham

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Trentham include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Trentham for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.