Healthy Homes Assessment Strathmore Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Strathmore Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. needs to be done, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Strathmore Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on a Strathmore Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to note that landlords with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Strathmore Park, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Strathmore Park rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Strathmore Park rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Strathmore Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Strathmore Park

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within your home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Strathmore Park

Strathmore Park rental properties must have a fixed heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Strathmore Park

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside and remain closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Strathmore Park

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making much easier for the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Strathmore Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Strathmore Park

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Strathmore Park include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Strathmore Park for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.