Healthy Homes Assessment Ascot Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Ascot Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties we are completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Ascot Park, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Ascot Park rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Ascot Park rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Ascot Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ascot Park

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from the home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Ascot Park

Rental properties in Ascot Park should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it may require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ascot Park

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Ascot Park

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to allow the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Ascot Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ascot Park

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by The Healthy Homes Standard in Ascot Park include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ascot Park for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.