Healthy Homes Assessment Woodridge

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? Landlords now have to ensure their Woodridge rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully 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 to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be done and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified for both 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Woodridge rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on a Woodridge rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

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

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Woodridge rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Woodridge rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Woodridge

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A damp home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from the home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will test all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Woodridge

Woodridge rental properties require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Woodridge

Each liveable space in a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, and stay closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a 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 in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Woodridge

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task for the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Woodridge Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

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

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture 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, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Woodridge

Property rental areas that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Woodridge include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Woodridge for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property home evaluation.