Healthy Homes Assessment Thorndon

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 Thorndon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 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 determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Thorndon, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Thorndon rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Thorndon rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Thorndon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Thorndon

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Thorndon

Rental properties in Thorndon should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should include the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Thorndon

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Thorndon

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to allow the household to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the 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 – all 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 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able 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 the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Thorndon

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Thorndon include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Thorndon for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for during an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house assessment.