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 now have to ensure 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 rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Woodridge rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Woodridge rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords who have several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house 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

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Woodridge, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Woodridge rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Woodridge rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Woodridge

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A cold house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out into the house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent 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 the movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Woodridge

Woodridge rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Woodridge

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air will be easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Woodridge

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and it will make an easier task for the house to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Woodridge Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Woodridge

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Woodridge include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Woodridge for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting a house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.