Healthy Homes Assessment Alicetown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Alicetown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done and offer a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Alicetown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Alicetown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Alicetown, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Alicetown rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Alicetown rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Alicetown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Alicetown

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that requirements 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 within your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Alicetown

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

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it could need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Alicetown

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding how dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements at least to open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Alicetown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task for the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Alicetown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full 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 by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Alicetown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Alicetown for Rental Properties

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

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.