Healthy Homes Assessment Vogeltown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Vogeltown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Vogeltown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Vogeltown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Vogeltown, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Vogeltown rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Vogeltown rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Vogeltown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Vogeltown

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Vogeltown

Vogeltown rental properties need to have a stable heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Vogeltown

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Vogeltown

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier for the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Vogeltown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Vogeltown

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Vogeltown include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Vogeltown for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check in the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.