Healthy Homes Assessment Plimmerton

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Plimmerton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be completed and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Plimmerton, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Plimmerton rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control on Plimmerton rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Plimmerton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Draught Stopping Plimmerton

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Heating Plimmerton

Rental properties in Plimmerton need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors 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) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Plimmerton

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

Insulation Plimmerton

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Plimmerton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Rental Property Home Assessments Plimmerton

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Plimmerton include each:

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

Home Assessments Plimmerton for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home assessment.