Healthy Homes Assessment Ebdentown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Ebdentown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of 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

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Ebdentown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Ebdentown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Ebdentown, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Ebdentown rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Ebdentown rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Ebdentown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ebdentown

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Ebdentown

Rental properties in Ebdentown must have a fixed heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it needs to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it might require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ebdentown

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Ebdentown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to allow the house to hold the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Ebdentown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent 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 Ebdentown

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standard in Ebdentown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ebdentown for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check during a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.