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? The landlords are now required to ensure their Thorndon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely 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 can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of 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 pocket resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Thorndon, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Thorndon rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Thorndon

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Thorndon

Thorndon rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should include the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Thorndon

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Thorndon

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier for the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 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 quality.

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of this 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 The Healthy Homes Standards in Thorndon include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Thorndon for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.