Healthy Homes Assessment Strathmore Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Strathmore Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely 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 assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Strathmore Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Strathmore Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Strathmore Park, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the quality of Strathmore Park rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Strathmore Park rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Strathmore Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Strathmore Park

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being homes

Heating Strathmore Park

Strathmore Park rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may require a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Strathmore Park

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Strathmore Park

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes more easy for the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Strathmore Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Strathmore Park

Property rental areas that are affected by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Strathmore Park include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Strathmore Park for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for during the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.