Healthy Homes Assessment Newtown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Newtown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be done and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Newtown, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Newtown rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Newtown rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Newtown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Newtown

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Newtown

Rental properties in Newtown need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Newtown

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Newtown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes more easy to allow the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the 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, 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Newtown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Newtown

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standard in Newtown include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Newtown for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.