Healthy Homes Assessment Fairfield

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 ensure that their Fairfield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs 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 breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Fairfield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Fairfield, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Fairfield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Fairfield rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Fairfield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fairfield

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of your home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure as the house warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Fairfield

Rental properties in Fairfield need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, then it must have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Fairfield

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space 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 cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Fairfield

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task to the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater 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 – all 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

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

Fairfield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Fairfield

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fairfield for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.