Healthy Homes Assessment Seatoun

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Seatoun rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified 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 to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be completed and provide a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Seatoun rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Seatoun rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a house assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Seatoun, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Seatoun rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Seatoun rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Seatoun Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Seatoun

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A damp house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or crack that 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 from the house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Seatoun

Rental properties in Seatoun must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might just require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Seatoun

Each liveable space in a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding that dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Seatoun

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to the household to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Seatoun Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Seatoun

Rental property areas affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Seatoun include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Seatoun for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.