Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Aro Valley 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 fully in compliance by July 1st 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be completed and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Aro Valley rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping within Aro Valley rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Aro Valley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the house need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Aro Valley

Aro Valley rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Aro Valley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy for the household to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, 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.

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aro Valley

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standard in Aro Valley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house evaluation.