Healthy Homes Assessment Upper Hutt

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 their Upper Hutt rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 can assess your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be done and offer a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

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

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request an home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Upper Hutt, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Upper Hutt rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance 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, and Draught Stopping for Upper Hutt rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Upper Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Upper Hutt

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Upper Hutt

Rental properties in Upper Hutt need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Upper Hutt

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air is less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Upper Hutt

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier to allow the household to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements 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 the insulation is able to resist 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 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Upper Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from 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 standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Upper Hutt

The areas of rental property that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Upper Hutt include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Upper Hutt for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.