Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Aro Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Aro Valley rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Aro Valley rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Aro Valley

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

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising how dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Aro Valley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make much easier to the household to hold heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 the entire 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

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of 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 Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Aro Valley include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check in a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.