Healthy Homes Assessment Timberlea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Timberlea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed 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 can assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified 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, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Timberlea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request an home assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Timberlea, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Timberlea rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Timberlea rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Timberlea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Timberlea

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Timberlea

Timberlea rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For 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 apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used 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 Timberlea

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Timberlea

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy for the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Timberlea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

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

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Timberlea

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Timberlea include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Timberlea for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.