Healthy Homes Assessment Houghton Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Houghton Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Houghton Bay, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Houghton Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Houghton Bay rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Houghton Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Houghton Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs 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 gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into your house require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Houghton Bay

Rental properties in Houghton Bay require a reliable source of heating which can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must include an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might just require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Houghton Bay

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Houghton Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Houghton Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing 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 Houghton Bay

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Houghton Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Houghton Bay for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in the home review to determine if 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 in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.