Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

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 that their Aro Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Aro Valley rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control within Aro Valley rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

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

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Aro Valley

Aro Valley rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must have the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Aro Valley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task for the home to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Aro Valley

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Aro Valley include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in the home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.