Healthy Homes Assessment Woodridge

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Woodridge rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any 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 can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Woodridge rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Woodridge rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply 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 Woodridge, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Woodridge rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Woodridge rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Woodridge Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Woodridge

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

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within your house need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Woodridge

Woodridge rental properties need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to include the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it could require an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Woodridge

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising how dried air can be much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Woodridge

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier to allow the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists 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 remainder 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Woodridge Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Woodridge

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Woodridge include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Woodridge for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.