Healthy Homes Assessment Houghton Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Houghton Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to 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 will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Houghton Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Houghton Bay, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Houghton Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Houghton Bay rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Houghton Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Houghton Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Houghton Bay

Rental properties in Houghton Bay need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it may require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Houghton Bay

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs at least to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces 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 house is a healthy house

Insulation Houghton Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making much easier to the household to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

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

Houghton Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about 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 through the Healthy Homes Standard in Houghton Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Houghton Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during 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 well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.