Healthy Homes Assessment Judgeford

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

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

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate both 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 new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding 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 from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Judgeford, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Judgeford rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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 for Judgeford rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Judgeford

Judgeford rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it could need a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Judgeford

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about 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 from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making much easier for the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Judgeford

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Judgeford include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in the house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.