Healthy Homes Assessment Haywards

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Haywards rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate both 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 Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may 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 live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Haywards, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Haywards rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control for Haywards rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Haywards Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Haywards

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Haywards

Haywards rental properties require a reliable heating source that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like an air conditioner, it might just need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Haywards

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult 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 to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements at least to open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Haywards

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier for the home to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Haywards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with 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 maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the 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 Haywards

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Haywards include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haywards for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties home evaluation.