Healthy Homes Assessment Wadestown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Wadestown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified to evaluate both 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and make arrangements to have an house assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Wadestown, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Wadestown rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the 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 low temperatures inside households. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of your home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Wadestown

Wadestown rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most 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 heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to include the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wadestown

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Wadestown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy for the household to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet 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 R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wadestown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wadestown

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wadestown for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties home assessment.