Healthy Homes Assessment Timberlea

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 are now required to make sure that their Timberlea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely 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, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Timberlea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Timberlea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

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

It is crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Timberlea, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Timberlea rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping on Timberlea rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Timberlea

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Timberlea

Rental properties in Timberlea require a reliable source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Timberlea

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Timberlea

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to the household to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Timberlea 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 to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Timberlea

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Timberlea for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check in the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.