Healthy Homes Assessment Boulcott

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Boulcott rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 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 to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Boulcott rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Boulcott, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Boulcott rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over 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 as Draught Stopping in Boulcott rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Boulcott

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Boulcott

Rental properties in Boulcott must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like the heat pump, it might just require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Boulcott

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Boulcott

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Boulcott Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to 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

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Boulcott include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Boulcott for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home evaluation.