Healthy Homes Assessment Thorndon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 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 rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to 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, and are fully certified for each of 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, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present 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.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Thorndon, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Thorndon rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance 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 Stopping in Thorndon rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having 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 cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will check all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Thorndon

Rental properties in Thorndon should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Thorndon

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Thorndon

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier to the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Thorndon

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard 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 to be able to examine when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.