Healthy Homes Assessment Upper Hutt

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Upper Hutt 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 compliant 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and 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 incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Upper Hutt, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Upper Hutt rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Upper Hutt rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Upper Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Upper Hutt

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the house need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building when the house warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Upper Hutt

Rental properties in Upper Hutt require a reliable source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Upper Hutt

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

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

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Upper Hutt

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to the house to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Upper Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Upper Hutt

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Upper Hutt for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• 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 the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.