Healthy Homes Assessment Thorndon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Thorndon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 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 the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Thorndon, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Thorndon rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Thorndon rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Thorndon

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Thorndon

Rental properties in Thorndon must have a fixed heating source that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should include an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it may need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Thorndon

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

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

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, and stay closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable 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 cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Thorndon

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to the house to keep the heat.

Insulation needs 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 the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Thorndon

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Thorndon include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Thorndon for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.