Healthy Homes Assessment Clouston Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Clouston Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check 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 of the work that needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified to evaluate both 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Clouston Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Clouston Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house evaluation performed 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?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Clouston Park, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Clouston Park rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Clouston Park rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Clouston Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Clouston Park

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole or crack, then it is probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Clouston Park

Clouston Park rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Clouston Park

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dry air is less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Clouston Park

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that 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 need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier for the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Clouston Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Clouston Park

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Clouston Park include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Clouston Park for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during a home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.