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? Landlords now have to make sure their Eastbourne rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 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 and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Eastbourne, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the standard of Eastbourne rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping within Eastbourne rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Eastbourne

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Eastbourne

Eastbourne rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Eastbourne

Every living space of the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Eastbourne

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the house to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

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

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 of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which 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 a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Eastbourne

Property rental areas that are affected with 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 numerous concerns you should look for when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.