Healthy Homes Assessment Thorndon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that 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 fully certified by 1 July 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and offer the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely qualified to assess both 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Thorndon, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the standard of Thorndon rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping for Thorndon rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Thorndon

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Thorndon

Rental properties in Thorndon need to have a stable heating source which can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it might need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Thorndon

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

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

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure 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 warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Thorndon

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically 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 structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Thorndon

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Thorndon include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Thorndon for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.