Healthy Homes Assessment Highbury

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Highbury 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 must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully certified to evaluate 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Highbury, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Highbury rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Highbury rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Highbury Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Highbury

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Highbury

Highbury rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Highbury

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Highbury

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to the house to retain 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 insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective 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, 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Highbury Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Highbury

The areas of rental property that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Highbury include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Highbury for Rental Properties

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

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.