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 July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Wadestown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must 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 can evaluate your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to evaluate 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could 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 property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Wadestown, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Wadestown rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Wadestown rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Wadestown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wadestown

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the house warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Wadestown

Wadestown rental properties require a reliable 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 well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should include the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as the heat pump, it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wadestown

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

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

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Wadestown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task for the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Wadestown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this 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 by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Wadestown include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wadestown for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine in a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties house evaluation.