Healthy Homes Assessment Plimmerton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Plimmerton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely 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 will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be done and provide the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for each of 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 Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Plimmerton, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower 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 disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Plimmerton rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Plimmerton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Plimmerton

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A cold house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Plimmerton

Rental properties in Plimmerton require a reliable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is 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) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Plimmerton

Every living space of a rental home must include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Plimmerton

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make much easier to the home to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Plimmerton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Plimmerton

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Plimmerton include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Plimmerton for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property house assessment.