Healthy Homes Assessment Highbury

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Highbury rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that requirements to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Highbury rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is who is letting 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 Compliance Statement requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Highbury, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Highbury rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Highbury rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Highbury

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from your house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Highbury

Rental properties in Highbury must have a fixed heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it may need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Highbury

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Highbury

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to allow the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well 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 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Highbury Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Highbury

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Highbury for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine in an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, 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 tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.