Healthy Homes Assessment Seatoun

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Seatoun rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely certified to assess both 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, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Seatoun rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Seatoun rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Seatoun, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Seatoun rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Seatoun rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Seatoun Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Seatoun

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Seatoun

Rental properties in Seatoun require a reliable heating source that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested 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) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it may need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Seatoun

Each living space within a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Seatoun

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and it will make an easier task to allow the household to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Seatoun Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your 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 Seatoun

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Seatoun include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Seatoun for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.