Healthy Homes Assessment Thorndon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure 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 completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when 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.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or 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 information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a home inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Thorndon, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve 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 health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on 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 are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Thorndon

Thorndon rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Thorndon

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Thorndon

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory in all rental homes 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 sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy to allow the house to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full 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 Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Thorndon include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Thorndon for Rental Properties

There are many things to check when conducting a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.