Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Aro Valley 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 conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be done and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Aro Valley rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control in Aro Valley rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Aro Valley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A humid home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Aro Valley

Aro Valley rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like the heat pump, it may require an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Aro Valley

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy for the household to retain the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand 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 remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aro Valley

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Aro Valley include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.