Healthy Homes Assessment Trentham

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Trentham rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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 assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Trentham rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for 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 Trentham, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Trentham rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Trentham rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Trentham Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Trentham

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Trentham

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

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like an air conditioner, it may require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Trentham

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Trentham

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make more easy for the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Trentham Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Trentham

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Trentham include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Trentham for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.