Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Aro Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

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

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the standard of Aro Valley rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Aro Valley rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within your home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will check all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Aro Valley

Rental properties in Aro Valley need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest 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 well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dry air is much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Aro Valley

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task to allow the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aro Valley

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Aro Valley include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

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