Healthy Homes Assessment Thorndon

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? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Thorndon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st 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 and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that needs to be done, and offer a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Thorndon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, 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 property they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Thorndon, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Thorndon rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in 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 and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Thorndon rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Thorndon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Thorndon

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within your home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Thorndon

Thorndon rental properties should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Thorndon

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Thorndon

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make much easier for the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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

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

Thorndon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Thorndon

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Thorndon include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Thorndon for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

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