Healthy Homes Assessment Trentham

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that 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 any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be done and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in 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.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate each of 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 for a Trentham rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Trentham, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Trentham rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance 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 Draught Stopping in Trentham rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Trentham Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Trentham

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which means wasting 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 unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Trentham

Trentham rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during 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 heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Trentham

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Trentham

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

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

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

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Trentham Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Trentham

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Trentham include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Trentham for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.