Healthy Homes Assessment Ascot Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Ascot Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Ascot Park, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Ascot Park rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over 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 Control within Ascot Park rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Ascot Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ascot Park

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught 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 from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the house warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Ascot Park

Ascot Park rental properties should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should include a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ascot Park

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Ascot Park

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to allow the house to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Ascot Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ascot Park

The areas of rental property that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Ascot Park include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ascot Park for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.