Healthy Homes Assessment Clouston Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that 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 the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully 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. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the information required 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 any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Clouston Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Clouston Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Clouston Park, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Clouston Park rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Clouston Park rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Clouston Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Clouston Park

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Clouston Park

Clouston Park rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might just need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Clouston Park

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising how dried air can be less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Clouston Park

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy to allow the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of 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, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Clouston Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Clouston Park

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Clouston Park include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Clouston Park for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.