Healthy Homes Assessment Whitby

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? Landlords now have to ensure that their Whitby 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Whitby rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Whitby rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Whitby, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Whitby rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Whitby rental properties.

Start now and call about the Whitby Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Whitby

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Whitby

Rental properties in Whitby need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Whitby

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising how dried air can be more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements at least to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Whitby

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and it will make much easier to allow the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" stands for 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 – The rest 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 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Whitby Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Whitby

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Whitby include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Whitby for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.