Healthy Homes Assessment Houghton Bay

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 ensure their Houghton Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be done, and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate 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 contract is signed on a Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Houghton Bay, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Houghton Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Houghton Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Houghton Bay

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from your home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will check all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Houghton Bay

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

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Houghton Bay

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Houghton Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to the house to hold the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Houghton Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Houghton Bay

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Houghton Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Houghton Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes 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 be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.