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 must make sure that their Wadestown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be completed and provide the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for both 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, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wadestown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

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

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Wadestown, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Wadestown rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Wadestown rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wadestown

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Wadestown

Rental properties in Wadestown should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to include the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it might require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Wadestown

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Wadestown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to the household to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Wadestown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wadestown

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Wadestown include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wadestown for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.