Healthy Homes Assessment Judgeford

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Judgeford rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st 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 and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Judgeford, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Judgeford rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Judgeford rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building when the home warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Judgeford

Rental properties in Judgeford should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must have a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Judgeford

Each liveable space in a rental home must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Judgeford

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes it easier for the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, better 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Judgeford

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by The Healthy Homes Standards in Judgeford include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.