Healthy Homes Assessment Roseneath

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Roseneath rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely 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 assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

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

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Roseneath rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Roseneath, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Roseneath rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Roseneath rental properties.

Start now and call about the Roseneath Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Roseneath

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Roseneath

Roseneath rental properties require a reliable heating source that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to have an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Roseneath

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be more easy to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Roseneath

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make it easier for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well 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 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Roseneath Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Roseneath

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Roseneath include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Roseneath for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.