Healthy Homes Assessment Judgeford

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Judgeford rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely 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 evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or 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 landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Judgeford, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Judgeford rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Judgeford rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A damp home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Judgeford

Judgeford rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the most 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 well-being.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Judgeford

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding how dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Judgeford

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier for the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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, underfloor R 1.3

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

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent 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 Judgeford

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Judgeford include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.