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 in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Aro Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to assess each of 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, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Aro Valley rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Aro Valley rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Aro Valley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the building when the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Aro Valley

Aro Valley rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it might just need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Each liveable space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Aro Valley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes much easier to allow the home to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the 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

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.