Healthy Homes Assessment Mount Cook

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Mount Cook rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified 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 brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Mount Cook rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Mount Cook rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Mount Cook, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Mount Cook rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Mount Cook rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Mount Cook Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mount Cook

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or 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 to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the house warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Mount Cook

Rental properties in Mount Cook must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Mount Cook

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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 don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, and stay closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Mount Cook

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to allow the house to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Mount Cook Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mount Cook

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Mount Cook include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mount Cook for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check during an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.