Healthy Homes Assessment Newtown

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Newtown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Newtown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to note that landlords with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Newtown, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Newtown rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Newtown rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Newtown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Draught Stopping Newtown

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building when the home is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Heating Newtown

Rental properties in Newtown should have a permanent heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to have an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Newtown

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

Insulation Newtown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes more easy for the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Newtown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Rental Property Home Assessments Newtown

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Newtown include each:

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

Home Assessments Newtown for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.