Healthy Homes Assessment Vogeltown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Vogeltown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified to evaluate each of 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 on a Vogeltown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Vogeltown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

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

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a home assessment done for 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?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Vogeltown, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Vogeltown rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Vogeltown rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Vogeltown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Vogeltown

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of your home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Vogeltown

Vogeltown rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need 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 suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it may require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Vogeltown

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Vogeltown

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to the household to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Vogeltown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to 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 Vogeltown

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Vogeltown for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine in the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.