Healthy Homes Assessment Seaview

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Seaview rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Seaview rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Seaview rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Seaview, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report at least four key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Seaview rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance 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, as well Draught Stopping within Seaview rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Seaview Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Seaview

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building when the home warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being homes

Heating Seaview

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

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must include an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Seaview

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising how dried air can be easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Seaview

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to the home to retain heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Seaview Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Seaview

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Seaview include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Seaview for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home assessment.