Healthy Homes Assessment Eastbourne

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Eastbourne rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Eastbourne rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Eastbourne rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Eastbourne

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Eastbourne

Rental properties in Eastbourne need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Eastbourne

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Eastbourne

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task for the house to keep heat.

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

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

• 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Eastbourne Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Eastbourne

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Eastbourne include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Eastbourne for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting a home inspection to determine whether 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 require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.