Healthy Homes Assessment Roseneath

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Roseneath rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be done, and offer a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified to assess each of 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Roseneath, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Roseneath rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Roseneath rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Roseneath Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Roseneath

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. 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 are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Roseneath

Roseneath rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Roseneath

Every living space of a rental house must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding how dry air is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Roseneath

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to allow the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• 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 and underfloor 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.

Roseneath Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Roseneath

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standard in Roseneath include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Roseneath for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.