Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

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? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Aro Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide 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 agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Aro Valley rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , 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 Draught Control for Aro Valley rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building when the household warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Aro Valley

Rental properties in Aro Valley should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Aro Valley

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" refers to 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aro Valley

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Aro Valley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home assessment.