Healthy Homes Assessment Aro Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Aro Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on an Aro Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Aro Valley, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Aro Valley rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

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

Begin now by calling about the Aro Valley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Aro Valley

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A cold home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Aro Valley

Aro Valley rental properties require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might just need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Aro Valley

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our 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 high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Aro Valley

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task to the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Aro Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor 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 to the Healthy Homes Standards in Aro Valley include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Aro Valley for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.