Healthy Homes Assessment Roseneath

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Roseneath rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully 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 brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request a home inspection 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?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Roseneath, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Roseneath rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Roseneath rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Roseneath

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Roseneath

Roseneath rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Roseneath

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Roseneath

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make it easier for the home to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Roseneath Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Roseneath

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standards in Roseneath include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Roseneath for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.