Healthy Homes Assessment Eastbourne

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Eastbourne rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified for 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, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Eastbourne, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Eastbourne rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Eastbourne rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Eastbourne Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Eastbourne

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Eastbourne

Rental properties in Eastbourne require a reliable heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Eastbourne

Every living space of the rental property should include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air will be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Eastbourne

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and it will make more easy for the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Eastbourne Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Eastbourne

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Eastbourne include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Eastbourne for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for during a home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

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