Healthy Homes Assessment Thorndon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

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

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Thorndon, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Thorndon rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Thorndon rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Thorndon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Thorndon

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Thorndon

Rental properties in Thorndon should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as 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 needs to include an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Thorndon

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air is more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan 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 Thorndon

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with current 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 property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making more easy to allow the house to hold the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Thorndon

The areas of rental property that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Thorndon include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Thorndon for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

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