Healthy Homes Assessment Wadestown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for each of 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Wadestown, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Wadestown rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Wadestown rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Wadestown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wadestown

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Wadestown

Rental properties in Wadestown should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. 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 requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it may require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wadestown

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air is less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wadestown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wadestown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wadestown

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Wadestown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wadestown for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.