Healthy Homes Assessment Boulcott

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Boulcott rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be done and offer a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Boulcott rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Boulcott, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Boulcott rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in 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 as Draught stopping in Boulcott rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Boulcott Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Boulcott

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from the home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Boulcott

Rental properties in Boulcott must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it may require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Boulcott

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This 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.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Boulcott

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task to allow the house to hold the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 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

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

Boulcott Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Boulcott

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Boulcott for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.