Healthy Homes Assessment Highbury

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 must make sure that their Highbury rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start 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 can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on the Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a home assessment performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Highbury, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Highbury rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

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

Start now and call about having a Highbury Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Highbury

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Highbury

Highbury rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Highbury

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Highbury

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making more easy for the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Highbury Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground water 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, in order to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Highbury

Property rental areas that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Highbury include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Highbury for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.