Healthy Homes Assessment Boulcott

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Boulcott rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to evaluate 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Boulcott rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down 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 meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Boulcott, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Boulcott rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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 Boulcott rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Boulcott

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A humid house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Boulcott

Rental properties in Boulcott require a reliable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Boulcott

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight needs at least to open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. 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 high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Boulcott

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to allow the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Boulcott Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor 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 Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Boulcott include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Boulcott for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.