Healthy Homes Assessment Boulcott

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Boulcott rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in 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. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. requirements 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 to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Boulcott rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Boulcott rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Boulcott, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Boulcott rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Boulcott rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Boulcott Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Boulcott

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Boulcott

Rental properties in Boulcott require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Boulcott

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dried air can be easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Boulcott

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and it will make more easy for the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Boulcott Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Boulcott

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Boulcott include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Boulcott for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.