Healthy Homes Assessment Highbury

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Highbury rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are 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, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a house assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Highbury, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Highbury rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less 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, and Draught Stopping on Highbury rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Highbury

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Highbury

Highbury rental properties require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could require an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Highbury

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight needs at least to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Highbury

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

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

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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

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

Highbury Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Highbury

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standard in Highbury include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Highbury for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.