Healthy Homes Assessment Alicetown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Alicetown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties 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 will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Alicetown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Alicetown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current 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 can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Alicetown, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Alicetown rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Alicetown rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Alicetown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Alicetown

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will examine every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Alicetown

Alicetown rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Alicetown

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Alicetown

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task for the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Alicetown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Alicetown

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Alicetown include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Alicetown for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine in the house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property house evaluation.