Healthy Homes Assessment Boulcott

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 ensure their Boulcott rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified for each of 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 tenancy is signed for a Boulcott rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Boulcott, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Boulcott rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance 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, and Draught Control in Boulcott rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Boulcott Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Boulcott

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A damp home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within your home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Boulcott

Boulcott rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Boulcott

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

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

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Boulcott

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to allow the household to hold heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and 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 quality.

Boulcott Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Boulcott

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with the Healthy Homes Standards in Boulcott include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Boulcott for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in the house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.