Healthy Homes Assessment Upper Hutt

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Upper Hutt rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under 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 up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on an Upper Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request an house inspection performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Upper Hutt, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Upper Hutt rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Upper Hutt rental properties.

Start now and call about the Upper Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Upper Hutt

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is 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 getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into the house need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring 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 building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Upper Hutt

Upper Hutt rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with 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 check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Upper Hutt

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding how dried air can be much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Upper Hutt

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make much easier to the house to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Upper Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

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

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor 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 Upper Hutt

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Upper Hutt include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Upper Hutt for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a 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 property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.