Healthy Homes Assessment Roseneath

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Roseneath rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for 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 company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Roseneath, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Roseneath rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

Get started now and contact us about having a Roseneath Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Roseneath

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

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from the house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Roseneath

Rental properties in Roseneath must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Roseneath

Every living space of a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

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

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Roseneath

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Roseneath Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of 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 to the Healthy Homes Standard in Roseneath include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Roseneath for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over during the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental property home assessment.