Healthy Homes Assessment Highbury

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Highbury rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed 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 assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess 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 contract is signed on a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is important to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Highbury, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Highbury rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Highbury rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Highbury

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A humid house 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 sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of the house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the house heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will examine the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Highbury

Highbury rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Highbury

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. 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.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Highbury

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to the household to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Highbury Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Highbury

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

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Highbury for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.