Healthy Homes Assessment Johnsonville

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Johnsonville rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Johnsonville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Johnsonville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Johnsonville, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Johnsonville rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Johnsonville rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Johnsonville Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Johnsonville

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Johnsonville

Johnsonville rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it may require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Johnsonville

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

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

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Johnsonville

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to the household to hold warmth.

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 insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Johnsonville Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Johnsonville

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Johnsonville include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Johnsonville for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.