Healthy Homes Assessment Eastbourne

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Eastbourne rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be done and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully certified to assess each of 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 or renewed contract is signed on an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could 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 reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also 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 current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Eastbourne, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Eastbourne rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Eastbourne rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Eastbourne

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Eastbourne

Rental properties in Eastbourne need to have a stable heating source that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter 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 heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source such as the heat pump, it may need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Eastbourne

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Eastbourne

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy to allow the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Eastbourne Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Eastbourne

The areas of rental property that are affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Eastbourne include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Eastbourne for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.