Healthy Homes Assessment Riverstone Terraces

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Riverstone Terraces rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Riverstone Terraces, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Riverstone Terraces rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Riverstone Terraces rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Riverstone Terraces

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A humid house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within your house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Riverstone Terraces

Rental properties in Riverstone Terraces must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living area to at minimum 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 well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require 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 for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it may require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Riverstone Terraces

Each liveable space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding how dry air is much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Riverstone Terraces

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to the household to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Riverstone Terraces Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standards in Riverstone Terraces include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental property house assessment.