Healthy Homes Assessment Johnsonville

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 must make sure that their Johnsonville rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

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

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Johnsonville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Johnsonville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Johnsonville, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Johnsonville rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on 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 are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into your home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Johnsonville

Johnsonville rental properties require a reliable heating source that can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it could require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Johnsonville

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Johnsonville

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Johnsonville Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the 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 with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Johnsonville include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Johnsonville for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• 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 a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.