Healthy Homes Assessment Birchville

Birchville renters and landlords alike can have their rental properties peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Birchville rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’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 any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
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 for a Birchville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Birchville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request an home assessment performed for 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 important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Birchville, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Birchville rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Birchville rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Birchville Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

healthy homes assessment compliance

How Other People Rate Us

An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
What time Do I require to be in compliance with The Healthy Homes Standards?

Birchville Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies established between 1 July 2019 and the 30th June in 2021

  • Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement throughout Birchville and New Zealand rental houses where it’s reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Statement of Intent to Comply along with an Insulation Declaration and an Insurance Statement must be included with any new, renewed or modified tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords must keep records of their compliance with all Healthy Homes Standard that apply or will be in force during the tenancy of the rental property.

Starting 1 July 2021

  • Private landlords and property managers have to ensure their rental properties conform according to Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new, renewed , or altered Tenancy.
  • All boarding houses (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider boarder household tenancies) must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the time the tenancy began.

From 1 July 2023

  • All households which are rented by Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered are required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date when the tenancy started.

Beginning 1 July 2024

  • All rentals houses must comply with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of when the tenancy first began.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Birchville

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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A good heating system is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Birchville

Rental properties in Birchville require a reliable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it might just require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Birchville

Every living space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

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A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Birchville

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

  • Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 2 – The rest part 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, underfloor R 1.3

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

Birchville Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

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

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

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Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Birchville

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Birchville include each:

  • Living Room
  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Rooms
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Birchville for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine in the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

  • Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
  • Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
  • Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
  • Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
  • Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property home assessment.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Birchville Wellington 5018

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors, we are experts in all components that come with expert house inspects. We’re there to make sure you make the right decision when buying your next home.

We value your money and conduct comprehensive examinations to ensure that you don’t receive any expensive or unwelcome surprises meaning you are able to relax and focus on the exciting aspects of owning or purchasing your own home.

We specialise in a range of services to ensure that you are fully informed of the condition of any property that you might be contemplating buying or selling along with other solutions.

Not only do we work with you but we also work with some major clients, including bank branches, local councils, and insurance firms. Evidently , they are pleased with their peace of mind provided, by the data contained in our building inspection reports.

With our systemised approach to your property inspection as well as the latest technology in software that incorporates digital images into the document, you are able to actually see any issues identified. Thanks to our comprehensive report, it is easy to understand why we get so many clients recommending our services to their family and friends.

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Comprehensive Home Inspections

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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