Healthy Homes Assessment Wadestown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Wadestown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant 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 check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required for 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 complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, 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 property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property 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 up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also crucial to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Wadestown, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Wadestown rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Wadestown rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Wadestown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wadestown

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Wadestown

Rental properties in Wadestown need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wadestown

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Wadestown

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wadestown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your 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 Wadestown

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Wadestown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wadestown for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.